Evolutionary Genetics: Topics

Introduction to evolutionary genetics

Paul Sharp

A review of the theoretical and practical aspects of the analysis of DNA sequences to estimate rates and patterns of molecular evolution. The interpretation of phylogenetic trees, at the intra- and inter-specific levels. Detecting the effects of various different forms of natural selection on DNA sequences.

Viral evolution

Paul Sharp

In viral evolution, major issues concern the origins of those viruses now found infecting humans and how their evolutionary processes lead to their current levels of genetic variation. Viruses are extremely diverse, in terms of their genome type (RNA or DNA), their rates and patterns of evolution, their origins and the timescale of human infection. To illustrate this, the major examples covered will be herpes viruses, AIDS viruses, influenza viruses, and human flaviviruses (dengue, hepatitis C).

Detecting the effects of selection on DNA sequences

Paul Sharp

In bacterial evolution, major issues concern the extent to which horizontal (lateral) gene transfer occurs, and whether it is useful/appropriate to consider bacteria as being divided into  “species”. Lateral gene transfer has had a major impact on bacterial evolution in general, and the emergence of pathogenic bacteria in particular. Bacteria also provide striking examples of molecular adaptation: (i) co-adaptation of codon usage and tRNA abundance, and (ii) the arms race between bacteriophages and the restriction-modification enzymes of bacteria.

Evolutionary genetics of wild animal populations

Loeske Kruuk, Alastair Wilson and Josephine Pemberton

We describe studies of evolutionary genetics in the wild, using results from wild populations experiencing natural environments. We show how the pedigree information now available for several long-term studies of wild mammal and bird populations can be used to estimate: (i) heritabilities and genetic correlations, using the animal model; (ii) patterns of natural selection; (iii) inbreeding depression. Many of the results presented illustrate the impact of prevailing environmental conditions on microevolution, and hence underline the value for data from natural populations for a full understanding of evolutionary processes.

Evolutionary Genetics Overview
Evolutionary Genetics Reading

Semester 2 Summary