MB5070:03
Marine Evolution and Biogeography
| Townsville | HECS Band 2 |
26 hours lectures, 13 hours tutorials, 6 hours practicals. Semester 1.
Available to GDipResMeth, GCertResMeth, GDipSc, MAppSc and MSc students.
Staff: Assoc. Professor D Bellwood.
This subject examines the basic concepts of evolution, systematics and biogeography as they relate to the marine realm. It will focus on the application of methods used to study evolution and biogeography and will draw on a wide range of evidence from molecular data, through distribution records, the fossil record and life history traits to larval duration to explain biodiversity in the marine environment. It will review several case histories to demonstrate the role of historical events in determining distributions of marine taxa and contrast this with the role of ecological factors in maintaining marine populations. Students will be required to attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes in MB2070 and to write an essay on the evolution and biogeography of a selected marine organism.
Learning Objectives:
- develop a knowledge of the evolutionary history, life history, distribution patterns and speciation patterns of marine organisms;
- understand and be familiar with the methods used to study biogeography of marine organisms;
- ability to critically evaluate current concepts of marine species and factors influencing speciation and distribution patterns;
- understand the application of historical and ecological biogeographic analysis in the study of marine systems.
Assessment by final examination (45%); practical work (10%); class test (10%); practical assignment (15%); essay (20%).