BIOL 215 in combination with BIOL 230 constitutes an integrated basic core program for students majoring in the life sciences. BIOL 215 is an introduction to organismal diversity focusing on the fundamental mechanisms that generate and maintain biological diversity. Emphasis is on evolution of the diversity of plants and animals using the tree of life as an organizing theme. Topics include resource acquisition, development, ecology, and population genetics. Laboratories cover fundamental biological principles including natural selection and ecology using representative living organisms.