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Darwin's Finches (Freshman seminar)

By focusing on one of the most important and charismatic research systems developed in the field of evolutionary biology, Darwin's finches, this seminar will initiate an exploration of evolutionary theory. The diversification of these finches on the Galapagos Islands became one of the most convincing examples of evolution in progress. The members of this seminar will study why the finches were so important to the development of evolutionary theory and how they are still being used to test fundamental hypotheses of evolutionary biology today. Because of their long history of importance in the field, the finches have been studied using eclectic methodologies to address a broad range of evolutionary questions. They thereby provide a unique opportunity to study diverse evolutionary questions and techniques within a single, fascinating natural-history framework. Readings will include original material from Darwin, Melville, Lack, and Peter and Rosemary Grant as well as supplementary background reading from current texts, primary literature, and historical sources. (Enrollment limited to 12.)