Overview

This module will delve into how the evolutionary effects of global change may impact species' adaptation and resilience, which will inform conservation strategies, and help to predict future biodiversity patterns.

• Evolutionary processes: Mutation, genetic drift, selection and gene flow. • Genetic and phenotypic geographical structure within species. • Novel pressures imposed by global change and its impacts on evolutionary processes. • Evolutionary responses to global change drivers: extinction, migration and distributional shifts and adaptive evolution. • Limits to evolutionary change: heritable genetic variation, conflicting selection, genetic trade-offs, swamping. • Global change impacts on speciation and species identity. • The role of phenotypic plasticity in the evolutionary response of populations. • Methodological approaches to detect and assess evolutionary responses: genomics and quantitative genetics and the phylogenetic comparative method. • Evolution as a management tool: assisted gene flow and facilitated adaptation.

Assessment Strategy

Assessment Criteria Excellent (Grade A: mark range 70% – 100%) An excellent student should show a nuanced and critical understanding of the latest advances in ecology and ecosystem function, drawing on extensive factual knowledge of the historical context and the most recent advances in these subjects. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature and construct original interpretations. Presentations should promote engaged and insightful discussion that spans both the specific findings of studies and their broader implications for global issues in biodiversity conservation and landscape management. In all aspects of their work students should be able to use their knowledge and understanding of issues to identify weaknesses in current theory and propose solutions to address major gaps in current knowledge. An excellent student should have a high level of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading in support of detailed, highly developed arguments.

Good (Grade B: mark range 60% – 69%) A good student should have thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading into coherent arguments. A good student should be able to describe the significance of current debates in ecology and ecosystem function by showing an in-depth knowledge of both the historical context and the most recent advances in the fields. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate advanced capacity to organise acquired knowledge.

Threshold (Grade C: mark range 50% – 59%) A threshold student should have knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge. Presentations should both elucidate important background concepts and promote original discussion of unfolding issues.

Learning Outcomes

• To gain insight into how global change may drive evolutionary change and vice versa.

• To identify evolutionary responses to global change and their limits

• To understand how evolutionary processes act in natural populations

• To understand possibilities and limitations in addressing the evolutionary consequences of global change