Ethology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with knowledge on the functions and evolution of the main behaviors of animals under natural conditions, with special reference to the species-specific evolutionary history and the role played by the interaction between genes and environment on the development of behavioral traits. The course also aims to provide knowledge on scientific methods necessary for processing behavioral data, as well as for designing and executing a behavioral study both in a natural and laboratory context.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will acquire:
knowledge of the role of animal behavior under an eco-evolutionary perspective;
knowledge of the appropriate scientific terminology of the discipline;
the ability to understand and critically discuss the main topics of behavioral ecology reported in the specialist scientific literature.
knowledge of the role of animal behavior under an eco-evolutionary perspective;
knowledge of the appropriate scientific terminology of the discipline;
the ability to understand and critically discuss the main topics of behavioral ecology reported in the specialist scientific literature.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
All the 6 CFU of the course will be done in a synchronous mode (with some exceptions which will be communicated during the course) on Microsoft Teams.
The oral test will be carried out in a telematic mode.
The oral test will be carried out in a telematic mode.
Course syllabus
Why studying animal behaviour?
Proximate and ultimate causes of animal behaviour
Study of behaviour: competing hypotheses, observations, experiments, comparative method
Development of behaviour: innate behaviours, behavioural genetics, phenotypic plasticity, environment and behaviour
Types of learnings
Adaptations and constraints
Behavioural optimization: costs-benefits balance, trade-off, alternative strategies
Game theory
Survival and competition: predators-prey interactions and foraging
Territoriality: resource competition and territory defence
Life in a group, altruism and sociality: cooperation, kin selection, eusociality
Sex conflict and sexual selection: theoretical models, evolution of sexual dimorphism, mate choice, sperm competition, cryptic female choice, differential allocation
Evolution of mating systems
Parent-offspring conflict, parental investment and parental care
Proximate and ultimate causes of animal behaviour
Study of behaviour: competing hypotheses, observations, experiments, comparative method
Development of behaviour: innate behaviours, behavioural genetics, phenotypic plasticity, environment and behaviour
Types of learnings
Adaptations and constraints
Behavioural optimization: costs-benefits balance, trade-off, alternative strategies
Game theory
Survival and competition: predators-prey interactions and foraging
Territoriality: resource competition and territory defence
Life in a group, altruism and sociality: cooperation, kin selection, eusociality
Sex conflict and sexual selection: theoretical models, evolution of sexual dimorphism, mate choice, sperm competition, cryptic female choice, differential allocation
Evolution of mating systems
Parent-offspring conflict, parental investment and parental care
Prerequisites for admission
The student must have the knowledge of basic concepts of evolutionary biology and ecology. Knowledge of the English language is also useful to directly read the original sources.
Teaching methods
The course will be based on interactive lectures supported by projected material. The student will be involved in actively participating in the discussion to improve their critical skills, to develop the acquired concepts and to communicate the concepts appropriately. Frequency is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Alcock J (2007) Etologia. Un approccio evolutivo. Zanichelli
or
Rubenstein D.. R., Alcock J (2020) Etologia. Un approccio evolutivo. Zanichelli
Krebs JR, Davies NB (2002) Ecologia del Comportamento Animale. Bollati Boringhieri
or
Rubenstein D.. R., Alcock J (2020) Etologia. Un approccio evolutivo. Zanichelli
Krebs JR, Davies NB (2002) Ecologia del Comportamento Animale. Bollati Boringhieri
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test, in which the student will be evaluated according to the knowledge on the topics of the course, on the capacity to use the correct terminology and the capacity to link different topics.
Professor(s)