654-303 Experimental Animal Behaviour

Zoology 654-204; mathematics and statistics 620-160 or 620-152.

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 of 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 evaluate critically the relevant, contemporary literature, thereby ensuring a familiarity and understanding of current and controversial issues in behavioural and evolutionary biology. Group projects will allow students to design, execute, analyse and interpret simple observational and experimental studies of animal behaviour.

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; up to 3000 words of essay work and/or practical assignments.