654-305 Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology

Note

Students may not gain credit for 654-305 and 654-303 Experimental Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Zoology 654-204, 654-205; Mathematics and Statistics 620-160 (Before 1998: 619-100)

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject describes and evaluates contemporary issues in evolutionary and behavioural biology. In particular, it highlights the relevance of evolutionary theory to ultimate explanations of animal behaviour and other life-history characteristics. Topics include natural and sexual selection; the evolution of sex and sex allocation; the underlying neural mechanisms of animal behaviour (including motor, sensory and central nervous systems); foraging, competitive, mating and parental behaviour; learning; communication; and comparative social behaviour. The subject provides an opportunity to assimilate and critically evaluate the relevant, contemporary literature, thereby ensuring a familiarity and understanding of current and controversial areas of behavioural and evolutionary biology.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; up to 2000 words of essay work.