ANT 536 - Phylogenetic Comparative Methods for trait evolution

The course provides an overview of biostatistical approaches that are used to estimate phenotypic trait evolution and provides participants with a springboard to using these methods to answer their own research questions. This course focuses on analyses that use a phylogenetic tree and observed trait information from tip taxa (extant and/or extinct) to describe how traits have changed along the branches of a phylogeny. The course covers methods that account for phylogenetic relatedness in standard parametric tests and methods that use models of evolution to infer how traits have changed along branches of phylogeny. The course will involve substantial preparation and take-home assignments. Students will become proficient in R programming.

3 credits

Grading Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

Repeatable May be repeated for credit.