Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce fundamental concepts for
understanding the evolutionary history and diversity of primates.
More in details, by the end of the course the student will be able to understand:
a) what the main phylogenetic relationships and the taxonomy of different groups of primates are;
b) the evolutionary dynamics shaping the morphological and behavioural variation present in different groups of primates
c) how DNA is used to investigate the degree of genetic variation present within species, the spatial distribution of this variation across populations, the extent of hybridisation across species.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of evolution, genetics and taxonomy is required.
Course unit content
The course introduces students to primate diversity and evolution, integrating insights gathered from the analysis of molecular (mostly genetics and genomics) data to better understand their phylogenetic relationships, adaptations, mating systems, dispersal patterns, gene-flow, hybridisation events and conservation initiatives.
Full programme
1. What is a Primate?
2. Primate diversity: moving and feeding
4. Taxonomy and Phylogenetics
5. Primate adaptations
3. Investigating Molecular Variation
6. Mating strategies
7. Dispersal dynamics
8. Within species: population structure and gene flow
9. Between species: hybridisation
10. New species: identifying novel taxa
11. Extinct species : Museomics
12. Topics in Primate Conservation
Bibliography
Recommended Texts:
Freeland Molecular Ecology Wiley Blackwell 2020
Fleagle, Gilber, Baden Primate Adaptation and Evolution Academic Press 2024
Students are invited to refer to the slides used during the lectures.
Teaching methods
The course is based on lectures. Videos will be used to facilitate the understanding of some of the course content.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final evaluation will be a discussion of a scientific paper related to the material presented during the course. The paper will be proposed by the student and approved by the lecturer in advance of the examination (no less than a week earlier), and it will be used as the basis for exploring topics discussed in the lectures.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
15. Land Life
