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生物演化

本课程以达尔文的“自然选择”和“生命之树”为主线，将重点介绍达尔文演化理论的要点，以及后人对达尔文理论的修订、补充和完善；介绍一些推动生物演化的主要力量，如遗传变异、自然选择、中性选择、遗传漂变等。同时还将介绍生物演化研究领域的各种方法和技术，并在此基础上通过很多实例对从远古的化石到现今多姿多彩的生物世界、从生物的形态改变到遗传物质的变化、从生物分子的起源到人类的起源等现象和问题进行解释。本课程将以大量的事实告诉大家：生物演化不仅仅是理论，而且是事实，它就发生在我们的身边。

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第1讲序言——演化理论的发展史

大自然是美丽的，大自然的每个物种也是美丽的；而各个物种之间都存在某种关系，或近、或远、或互惠互利、或相互利用、或单方获益、或单方受害……而每个物种，以及物种之间的相互关系并不是一天之间就形成的，而是通过长期的演化慢慢地形成的。什么是生物演化？演化是从一个英文单词翻译过来，这个英文名词是：Evolution，动词是： Evolve。达尔文在《物种起源》中用的词是“descent with modification”，即“生物的特征代代相传，略有改变。”也就是说，演化是生物在形态、生理和行为上发生的世代之间十分缓慢的、可遗传的变化。Evolution更确切的翻译应该为“演化”。生物演化理论的发展史基本上是围绕着生物是否有变异、生物的变异是如何产生的、什么因素在推动生物演化及其机制是否什么等问题进行的，本序言将对生物演化理论做出直接或间接贡献的科学家做一系统介绍。最后将介绍生物演化研究的特点。

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Starts from fundamental knowledge of evolution and gradually introduces advanced content, making it suitable for general audiences and those seeking a thorough foundation in the subject

Explores the history of evolutionary thought, introducing students to the contributions of key scientists and the progression of scientific ideas

Covers the core principles of Darwin's theory of evolution, natural selection, common descent, and the role of genetic variation

Addresses misconceptions and challenges to evolutionary theory, providing a balanced and comprehensive understanding of the subject

Uses examples and case studies to illustrate evolutionary concepts, making them more accessible and engaging for learners

Provides an overview of molecular evolution, introducing bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis techniques

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生物演化：理论与实证

据学生反映，北京大学开设的生物演化课程内容覆盖广泛且深入，从达尔文的自然选择和生命之树等经典理论出发，系统介绍了演化思想的发展历程。课程紧密跟踪学科前沿，重点讲解了分子演化、群体遗传学以及基因组学在研究中的应用，让学员了解到生物演化不仅仅是理论，更是基于大量数据和方法的事实。讲座通过丰富的案例分析，如物种形成的速度、物种灭绝、系统发生重建和人类自身的起源等，生动地展示了演化过程的多样性和复杂性。学员们普遍认为课程结构清晰，理论与实例结合，为理解生物多样性的由来提供了坚实的科学基础。这门课非常适合对生物演化感兴趣或希望深入了解现代生物学研究方法的学习者。

课程内容包含一定的数学模型和计算。

"涉及到群体遗传学公式和计算时，感觉有点烧脑，需要多花时间。"

"课程中有一些定量分析的内容，需要一定的数学基础来消化。"

"虽然有难度，但掌握这些定量方法对深入学习演化很有帮助。"

介绍了演化研究的各种方法和证据。

"学习如何构建系统发生树，感觉自己也能做点研究了，很有实用性。"

"老师强调证据和不同的研究方法，让我知道科学是怎么推进的。"

"这门课让我对演化生物学的研究范式和思路有了更深的理解。"

通过大量具体例子解释抽象概念。

"课程里举的各种例子，比如长颈鹿和纹翅蝇，让概念生动起来。"

"关于人类起源和家养动物的讨论，是我最感兴趣的部分之一。"

"通过具体的案例分析，我更容易理解抽象的演化机制和过程。"

"化石记录中的快速演化现象（如埃迪卡拉生物群）很有意思。"

详细阐述了达尔文、中性理论等核心概念。

"达尔文和拉马克的对比分析得很好，对理解历史很有帮助。"

"对自然选择的不同类型解释得很透彻，让我对机制有了数。"

"理解中性演化理论和自然选择的差异非常有启发性。"

"老师对核心概念的解释清晰易懂，构建了坚实理论框架。"

课程紧密结合最新的分子生物学研究。

"以前觉得演化只是化石，没想到现在分子工具这么重要。"

"分子钟和Ka/Ks比值这些概念让我看到演化也能定量分析。"

"基因组学在演化中的应用案例挺开眼的，很前沿。"

"老师讲分子部分很专业，能学到不少新东西。"

课程涵盖演化生物学的广泛领域。

"这门课的广度超出预期，从起源到分子，什么都讲了。"

"内容真的很丰富，覆盖了演化生物学很多重要分支。"

"感觉学完这门课，对整个生物演化脉络有了清晰认识。"

"课程大纲看起来就很有料，涉及面非常广。"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 生物演化 with these activities:

Refresh basic biology concepts

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Review the fundamentals of biology to strengthen understanding of evolutionary concepts

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Review notes or textbooks from previous biology coursework
Participate in online forums or discussion groups related to biology
Complete practice problems or quizzes to test your understanding

Write a summary of a scientific paper on evolution

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Summarizing a scientific paper will help you process and understand complex evolutionary concepts

Browse courses on Evolution

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Choose a scientific paper on a specific evolutionary topic
Read the paper carefully, taking notes on the main points
Write a concise summary that includes the research question, methods, results, and conclusions

Participate in a study group to discuss evolution topics

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Engaging in discussions with peers will challenge your understanding and broaden your perspectives on evolution

Browse courses on Evolution

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Find a study group or create one with classmates
Choose a topic related to evolution to discuss each session
Prepare for the discussion by reading relevant materials and formulating questions
Actively participate in the discussion, sharing your insights and listening to others

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Solve practice problems on population genetics

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Solving practice problems will reinforce your understanding of quantitative aspects of evolution

Browse courses on Population Genetics

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Review the concepts of population genetics, including allele frequencies, genotypes, and phenotypes
Find practice problems or online resources that provide questions on population genetics
Solve the problems using the appropriate formulas and principles
Check your answers and identify areas where you need further clarification

Follow online tutorials on molecular evolution

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Online tutorials can provide clear and interactive explanations of complex molecular evolutionary concepts

Browse courses on Molecular Evolution

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Search for online tutorials or courses on molecular evolution
Choose a tutorial that aligns with your interests or areas where you need additional support
Follow the tutorial, taking notes and completing any exercises or assignments
Engage with the discussion forums or ask questions to clarify your understanding

Gather online resources on evolution

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Compiling resources will provide you with a personalized collection of materials for future reference and review

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Use search engines or databases to find websites, articles, videos, and other resources on evolution
Organize the resources into categories or topics
Create a document, spreadsheet, or online platform to store and access the resources

Attend a workshop on evolutionary biology

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Workshops often provide hands-on experiences and expert insights that can enhance your understanding of evolution

Browse courses on Evolutionary Biology

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Research and identify workshops on evolutionary biology offered by universities, museums, or research institutions
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests or areas where you need additional support
Attend the workshop, actively participate in activities and discussions, and engage with experts

Volunteer at a natural history museum or science center

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Volunteering provides practical experience and exposure to real-world applications of evolutionary concepts

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Identify natural history museums or science centers in your area that offer volunteer opportunities
Inquire about volunteer positions and responsibilities
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule and actively participate in museum activities or educational programs

Develop a presentation on a specific evolutionary theory or concept

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Creating a presentation will help you synthesize and communicate your understanding of evolutionary concepts

Browse courses on Evolutionary Theory

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Choose a specific evolutionary theory or concept to focus on
Research and gather information from reliable sources
Organize your presentation into a logical flow, including an introduction, body, and conclusion
Use visuals, examples, and clear language to explain the theory or concept
Practice your presentation and get feedback from peers or instructors

Career center

Learners who complete 生物演化 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study wildlife populations. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Wildlife Biologists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the scientific method and in the principles of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Wildlife Biologists in their work, as they would be able to better understand the wildlife populations they are studying.

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Biologist

Biologists study living organisms. They may work in a variety of fields, including ecology, genetics, and evolution. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Biologists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the scientific method and in the principles of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Biologists in their work, as they would be able to better understand the living organisms they are studying.

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Conservationist

Conservationists work to protect the environment and its resources. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Conservationists because it would provide them with a strong understanding of the principles of evolution and the importance of biodiversity. This knowledge would be valuable for Conservationists in their work, as they would be able to better understand the impact of human activities on the environment and develop strategies to protect it.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policies. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Policy Analysts because it would provide them with a strong understanding of the scientific method and the principles of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Policy Analysts in their work, as they would be able to better understand the impact of public policies on the environment and society.

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Science Writer

Science Writers write about science for a variety of audiences, including the general public, students, and other scientists. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Science Writers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the theory of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Science Writers in their work, as they would be able to better communicate the science of evolution to their audiences.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for the care and management of museum collections. They may also develop and lead educational programs. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Museum Curators because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the theory of evolution and the history of life on Earth. This knowledge would be valuable for Museum Curators in their work, as they would be able to better interpret and display museum collections.

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Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They may also testify in court. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Forensic Scientists because it would provide them with a strong understanding of the principles of evolution and the importance of DNA evidence. This knowledge would be valuable for Forensic Scientists in their work, as they would be able to better understand the evidence they are collecting and analyzing.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They develop lesson plans, conduct experiments, and grade assignments. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Science Teachers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the theory of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Science Teachers in their work, as they would be able to better teach their students about evolution.

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Science Communicator

Science Communicators communicate science to the public through a variety of media, including writing, speaking, and social media. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Science Communicators because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the theory of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Science Communicators in their work, as they would be able to better communicate the science of evolution to their audiences.

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Educator

Educators teach students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They develop lesson plans, conduct experiments, and grade assignments. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Educators because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the theory of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Educators in their work, as they would be able to better teach their students about evolution.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers create educational materials for patients and healthcare professionals. They may also write for medical journals and other publications. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Medical Writers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the scientific method and in the principles of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Medical Writers in their work, as they would be able to better understand the medical concepts they are writing about.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. They may work in a variety of fields, including management, marketing, and finance. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Consultants because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the scientific method and in the principles of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Consultants in their work, as they would be able to better understand the businesses and organizations they are advising.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents. They may work for a variety of industries, including software, manufacturing, and healthcare. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Technical Writers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the scientific method and in the principles of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Technical Writers in their work, as they would be able to better understand the technical concepts they are writing about.

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Research Assistant

Research Assistants work with scientists to design and conduct research studies. They may also be responsible for collecting and analyzing data. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Research Assistants because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the scientific method and in the principles of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Research Assistants in their work, as they would be able to better understand the research studies they are working on and the data they are collecting.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians work in a variety of settings, including research labs, hospitals, and clinics. They are responsible for conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results. A course in Evolutionary Biology would be helpful for Laboratory Technicians because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the scientific method and in the principles of evolution. This knowledge would be valuable for Laboratory Technicians in their work, as they would be able to better understand the experiments they are conducting and the data they are collecting.

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We've selected 22 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in 生物演化.

The American Cyclopaedia. A Popular Dictionary for...

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Is the seminal work on evolution. It must-read for anyone interested in the history of evolutionary thought.

(English) The New American Cyclopaedia: A Popular Dictionary...

生物演化

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