Evolution of Mammal Diversity

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

In this course, we will pursue scientific inquiry and communication about mammals, our closest living relatives. We will uncover their evolutionary history and survey the extraordinary diversity of the nearly 6,500 recognized mammalian species. By diving into the scientific literature and visiting the National Museum of Natural History and Smithsonian National Zoo, we will explore the fields of natural history, ecology, evolutionary biology, systematics, behavior, and conservation. Each student will become the community expert on a different mammalian lineage and is tasked with educating and inspiring others to care about the study and long-term wellbeing of mammals worldwide.