Ethology

Introduction to basic concepts of natural and sexual selection; genetic and environmental components of pehnotypic variation in behavioural traits. Kin selection. Functions and mechanisms. Correlational, experimental and comparative studies in behavioural ecology. Conflicts of interest between mates and between parents and their offspring. Social behaviour: evolution and variation in relation to ecological factors. Eusociality. Territoriality. Sexual selection: theoretical models; evolution of sexual dimorphism and costly secondary sexual traits; mate choice. Empirical studies of sexual selection. Sperm competition and its role in sexual selection. Evolutionary effects of sperm competition on morphological and behavioural traits. Evolution of mating systems. Parental care and parental investment. Basics on life-history theory and physiological trade-offs.

Reference textbooks
lcock J (2005) Animal Behavior. Sinauer Associates
Krebs JR, Davies NB (2002) Ecologia del Comportamento Animale. Bollati Boringhieri
Danchin et al. (2008) Behavioural Ecology. Oxford Univ Press.

Requisites and examination
Basic knowledge of evolutionary biology theory. English language (read)
Oral examination, including discussion of 3-4 scientific papers chosen among a list of suggested papers

Propedeutical courses
None

Teaching methods
Lectures with Powerpoint slide presentation.
Attendance to the classes highly desirable.

Language of instruction
Italian

Program information
The printed slides which are presented during lectures will be available.