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Animal Behavior


Course Description

Principles of animal behavior integrating genetic, physiological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects. Topics include communication, reproduction, sociality, foraging, defense, migration, habitat selection, and learning.


Athena Title

Animal Behavior


Non-Traditional Format

The course will include substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline - for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; and c) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. The written assignments will result in a significant and diverse body of written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or 25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in student writing, providing opportunities for feedback and substantive revision.


Prerequisite

BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Behavior is one of the most important and interesting aspects of animal biology. Behaviors permit flexibility that allows animals to respond rapidly to environmental changes. This course exposes students to the broad field of animal behavior. Students will come to understand the historical foundations of the field, current theories and evidence for a broad range of behavioral topics, and applications of behavioral sciences to other fields, such as epidemiology, animal training, and wildlife conservation and management. Students will also participate in practical exercises to learn some fundamental techniques used to study behavior and will be introduced to the types and sources of information that must be known should one decide to select animal behavior as a field of specialization in a professional career. Behavioral ecology and the evolution of behaviors as adaptations will be recurring themes interwoven through all topics discussed. Students in this course engage in a high frequency of professional writing ranging from low to high stakes, including short answers to inquiry-based questions, three scientific reports, and two professional applied essays. All writing assignments include class discussion and emphasis on key elements of writing, including audience awareness and purpose for writing, effective use of evidence, logical construction of arguments and defense of judgments, and the use of writing to understand and evaluate problems. Reports and essays total 25-30 pages of text and include multiple opportunities for facilitated peer review, reflection, and revision of writing as well as regular feedback from instructors through the use of value rubrics. Peer review and reflection are integrated into course grading to reward students for engaging the process of writing rather than focusing entirely on evaluation of products.


Topical Outline

Exercise 1 - Measuring Behaviors Foundations of Behavior Exercise 2 - Home Ranges Evolutionary approach to Behavior Exercise 1 - Measuring Behaviors Proximate and Ultimate Causes of Behavior Controlling Behaviors Habitat Selection and Migration Exercise 2 - Home Ranges Territorial Behavior Foraging Behavior Anti-Predator Behaviors Exercise 3 - Foraging Game Guest Lecture - Parasites and Host Behaviors Sensory Systems and Behavior Foraging, Repellants and Wildlife Damage Control Animal Communication Sexual Selection and Reproductive Behaviors Guest Lecture - Evolution of Mating Systems Inclusive Fitness and Parental Investment Parental Care "The Shy and the Bold", Adaptive Individual Differences in Behavior Sociobiology Guest Lecture - Training Horses Guest Lecture - Veterinary Animal Behavior Human Behavior


Syllabus