BI 305

Life and Endosymbiotic Theory

An exploration of the origin of life on planet Earth, and the history and scientific support for the endosymbiotic theory of the origins and diversity of eukaryotic organisms. Specific topics will include: early life on Earth, the origin of eukaryotes, the evolutionary history of mitochondria and chloroplasts, the diversity of eukaryotic organisms with a focus on protists, and examples of current endosymbiotic relationships. Prerequisites: BI236 (BI338 is recommended). Exclusions: BI401.