Your Inner Fish: Evolution of the Human Body

This class explores how the genetic and anatomical legacy of fish and other ancestral organisms can be seen today in the human body. The evolution of human arms, legs, necks, and lungs can be traced back to fish that started living on land some 375 million years ago. The genetic legacy of this evolutionary history can be seen in human DNA, including in the genes involved in the development of our hands and limbs. This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of modern genetics and evolutionary theory. The class is designed for prospective biology majors who are interested in learning about one of the most exciting fields of study today known as “Evo-Devo”, or evolutionary developmental biology.