654-315 Animal Behaviour

• Previously carried subject code 654-305.

• Credit cannot be granted for both this subject and either 654-303 or 654-305 prior to 2003.

654-201, 654-202 or 654-204

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.

The subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge, and to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate written and other materials. Students should also develop skills in evaluating scientific evidence critically, and gain experience in writing a semi-popular scientific report.

A 3-hour end-of-semester examination (60%), and up to 2000 words of essay work (40%)