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551-0301-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-BIOL
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Phylogeny and Systematics

Phylogenie und Systematik

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Matthias Baltisberger, Prof. Dr. Alex Widmer, Dr. Andreas Müller, Dr. Anna Katharina Reichardt Dudler, Dr. Reinhard Berndt, Dr. Alexander Kocyan
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:13:23

Abstract

Overview over tasks, concepts and methods of biological systematics (taxonomy, nomenclature, phylogeny and classification)., with special emphasis on modern methods of inferring phylogenetic relationships.Discussion on phylogenetic approaches to better understand origin, evolution and ecological specialisations of selected groups.

Objective

Overview over tasks, concepts and methods of biological systematics (taxonomy, nomenclature, phylogeny and classification)., with special emphasis on modern methods of inferring phylogenetic relationships. Discussion on phylogenetic approaches to better understand origin, evolution and ecological specialisations of selected groups.

Content

Definition of biological systematics and the tasks of its four fields taxonomy, nomenclature, phylogeny and classification. Rules of nomenclature and classification. Methods of inferring phylogenies (including a practical course on the collection and analysis of morphological and molecular characters). Use of biological collections in systematics and guided tours through the herbaria and the entomological collection of the ETH Zürich. New insights in the evolution of vertebrates from fossils and phylogenetic studies; comparisions of selected morphological and ecological specialisations within vertebrates; radiation and parallel evolution. Morphology and systematics of selected groups of flowering plants; speciation; specialisations within phanerogams; convergence, divergence, selection; eco-morphology.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts are distributed in the lectures.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
None

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Phylogenie und Systematik I
  • Mon 08:15-10:00 (CHN F 46)
  • 22.10 Date 08:15-10:00 (LFO G 25)
2 h weekly
lecture Phylogenie und Systematik II
  • Mon 10:15-12:00 (CHN E 46)
2 h weekly

Offered In