Animal Behaviour

Full course description

This course will introduce you to how behaviour of animals is studied and the (relatively young) history of this field. We will look at the origins (ultimate cause) of behaviour; the function of behaviour in an animal’s survival and reproduction, and how behaviours evolve over evolutionary time. In particular we will study the evolution of altruism, reproductive behaviour and communication. We will also discuss how animals decide on foraging strategies, how they avoid predators, find suitable territories or decide to migrate. Behavioural research in zoo’s and their role in species conservation will be discussed. Proximate causes of behaviour, what triggers behaviours and what is the role of ontogeny (organismal development), are also part of the course. Although the basis of behaviour lies in neurobiology and the brain, these will not be discussed in detail in this course. We will discuss the role of memory and learning in relation to animal behaviour.

Course objectives

To gain an understanding of how animal behaviour is studied;
To recognize ultimate and proximate causes of behaviour and understand how they are related;
To understand what triggers behaviour and the importance of behaviour in an animal’s chances of survival and reproductive success;
To gain a general knowledge of the development of the field of animal behaviour and how it is linked to related fields such as neurobiology and behavioural ecology

Prerequisites

BIO2004 *
BIO2005

Co-requisites

None

* Students who have not done BIO2004 General Zoology, but with sufficient biology background may be able to take this course with a waiver. Contact the coordinator.

Animal Behaviour