The course deals with the scientific study of the kinds and diversity of organisms and any and all relationships that exist among them. It is focused on the phylogenetic approach of systematics. It intends to prepare students to work as competent systematists and conscientious conservationists as they study the diversity of organisms and the relationships among them. The topics include scientific study of the kinds and diversity of organisms (populations, species and higher taxa) and the relationships among them, determination by means of comparison of what the unique properties of each species and higher taxa are, properties certain taxon have in common and biological causes of the difference or shared characteristics, study of variation within taxa.
This course includes laboratory and on-field activities on classification and biodiversity assessment. It also includes construction of phylogenetic trees, classifying and identifying organisms using appropriate techniques.
- Teacher: CATHELYN MARIANO
- Enrolled students: 10