S1 Introduction to Evolutionary Biology

DESCRIPTION

Controversial at its beginning, the theory of evolution is one of those overarching principles that tie together every living creature.  This 3-session course will explore the theory from its origin to current understanding, the history of life and some amazing adaptations that organisms have evolved to ensure their success, including working with and in spite of other species. We will consider current challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change through evolutionary lens.

ZOOM LINK:  Available on website to paid and registered members

CLASS LIMIT: 95

INSTRUCTOR:  Martha Gach is Education Manager and Conservation Coordinator at Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester and teaches climate change at Worcester State University. Her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (University of Michigan) allows her to profess about evolution and shapes her world perspective.

OPTIONAL READING: On the Origin of Species is available in many editions, with many ISBNs including audio books. Recommended version, ISBN: 0674060172. The Voyage of the Beagle, ISBN 1619492814, Stephen Jay Gould’s essays are available as collections in books, rarely as a single essay. If only reading one essay, The Panda’s Thumb  essay is found on pages 19-25: http://s-f-walker.org.uk/pubsebooks/pdfs/Gould_Stephen_Jay_The_Panda%27s_Thumb.pdf. The entire volume of The Panda’s Thumb (31 essays) is available in hard copy.