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Fall 2008
Reznick, D.N. and J.A. Endler. 1982. The impact of predation on life history evolution in Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata). Evolution 36: 160 - 177.
A classic study conducted by David Reznick and John Endler emphasized the strong interaction between ecology and evolution. They investigated natural variation in life-history characteristics of populations of Trinidad guppies under different predation regimes. One regime consisted of intense predation directed primarily at adult guppies, one consisted of moderate predation primarily directed at juveniles, and one regime had minimal predation pressure. Populations subjected to intense predation of adults allocated a greater proportion of their body reserves to reproduction, had a shorter interval between spawning events, produced smaller young, and matured at smaller sizes than guppies with different predation regimes.
Catalog Description: This is a writing intensive course intended to convey a basic understanding of how life evolves, how organisms interact with their environments, and how evolutionary and ecological principles can be applied to a wide range of questions. Emphasis will be placed on the writing process.
Major Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students should understand (1) how life evolves, (2) how organisms interact with their environment, and (3) how evolutionary and ecological principles can be applied to a wide variety of questions. In addition to these content related objectives, students should (4) learn to think critically, (5) appreciate scientific research, and (6) develop professional writing abilities. The successful student will have mastered all six objectives
This page was last updated on
04/30/08
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