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Semester 2

Behavioural Ecology 3 (BILG09006)

Subject

Biology

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Equivalent of the courses listed above

Course Summary

The relationship between ecology, animal behaviour, population biology and evolution. Natural selection, reproductive strategies, foraging behaviour (economic decisions, diet, physiology), anti-predator behaviour.

Course Description

The course provides an introduction to behavioural ecology, exploring the relationship between animal behaviour, ecology, population biology and evolution. It is illustrated with examples from diverse animal species and ecological systems. Students will gain experience of the practical, quantitative and statistical skills required for the study of behavioural ecology. Introduction. What is behavioural ecology? How do behavioural ecologists see the world? Behaviour involved in maximising survival and reproductive fitness. Optimality. Levels of selection.Finding a mate. Mating systems and conflicts of interest during reproduction. Sexual selection. Altruistic behaviour, inclusive fitness and kin selection. Co-operative breeding in birds. Eusocial behaviour in insects.Finding food. Optimality and economic decisions. Currencies and constraints in foraging behaviour. Simple models of prey choice, patch exploitation and forager distribution. Staying alive. Living in groups. Communication. Predator-Prey interactions - avoiding detection, attack and capture. Arms races in host-parasite interactions. Life histories and reproductive decision-making. Sexual conflict. Applications of Behavioural Ecology.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 65%, Coursework 15%, Practical Exam 20%

Additional Assessment Information

Degree examination (65%); Vigilance Report (10%); Guest lecture report (5%); Presentation (20%).

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