Choanoflagellates and the Origin of Animal Morphogenesis

Explore the fascinating world of choanoflagellates and their role in understanding animal origins in this comprehensive lecture. Delve into mechanistic insights from model organisms, the reconstruction of animal origins, and the development of choanoflagellates as a new model organism. Discover the dynamic life history of S. rosetta, including the influence of bacteria on key life history transitions. Examine the intriguing process of epithelial tissue bending in animal development and how light regulates cell geometry and behavior. Gain insights into apical cell constriction predating animal origins and the organismal biology of the first animals. Participate in a Q&A session on Slack to further engage with the topic and expand your knowledge of evolutionary biology and morphogenesis.

Intro
Mechanistic insights from model organisms
Reconstructing animal origins
Choanoflagellates: a window into animal origins
The making of a new model organism
Inspiration (pl. 2): choanoflagellate phylogenetics
The making of a model organism
Rosettes develop through serial cell division
The dynamic life history of S. rosetta
Bacteria regulate key life history transitions
An unassuming splash pool
Epithelial tissue bending in animal development
Light/dark transition induces inversion
Light regulates cell geometry and behavior
Apical cell constriction predates animal origins
Organismal biology of the first animals