16. Comparative Methods: Trees, Maps, and Traits

Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (EEB 122)

We can use methods of genetic analysis to connect phylogenic information to geographical histories. Human migration has left genetic traces on every continent, and allows us to trace our roots back to Africa. Molecular genetic methods allow us to determine whether or not trait states were ancestral, which can have profound implications for fundamental biological ideas.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Introduction
02:02 - Chapter 2. The Geography of Human Genetics
12:56 - Chapter 3. Geographical Phylogeny
24:44 - Chapter 4. Independent Contrast
34:21 - Chapter 5. Genetic Diversity and History in Humans
48:14 - Chapter 6. Summary

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Spring 2009.