SCIE 614
Classic Studies in Animal Behavior
Joyce Powzyk
| Course Schedule | |
| September 13 | Course Introduction Background on Linnaeus, Darwin, and Wallace Adaptation Proximate and Ultimate Causation Genetics Genotype & Phenotype Defined Mutations Introduction to Reproduction Nature vs. Nurture Dilemma Readings: Chapter 1 & 2 |
| September 20 | The Development of Behavior Bird Song Learning Harlow Experiments Evolution of Learning Pavlov Skill Acquisition Mapping Behavior Readings: Chapter 3 & 4 |
| September 27 | Major Constraints that Shape Animal Behavior Feeding & Foraging Readings: Chapter 6 |
| October 4 | Predation Escape Behaviors Cryptic Behaviors Mimicry Alarm Calling Balancing Food Foraging and Predator Detection Readings: Chapter 7 |
| October 11 | Reproduction Strategies Fertilization r and K Strategists Animal Courtship Male and Female Reproductive Tactics Readings: Chapters 8 & 9 |
| October 18 | Mating Systems Defined Sperm Competition and Mate Guarding Sons or Daughters? Parental Investment Infanticide Parent-Offspring Conflict The Extended Family and Allo-Parenting Life Spans of Males and Females Readings: Chapter 10 & 11 |
| October 25 | Sons or Daughters? Parental Investment Infanticide Parent-Offspring Conflict The Extended Family and Allo-Parenting Life Spans of Males and Females Readings: Chapter 11 |
| November 1 | Interspecific Cooperation Recognition of Kin Altruistic Behavior Introduction to Eusocial Insects Readings: Chapter 12 |
| November 8 | Presenation on Powzyk's fieldwork |
| November 15 | Social Animals Eusocial Insects and Haplodiploidy Naked Mole Rats Olfactory Cues-Peromones Hormones Aggression and Stress Readings: Chapter 14, 15, 17 |
| November 22 | Thanksgiving Break |
| November 29 | Competition Game Theory Dominance Hierarchies Territoriality Peace-making Behaviors Chimp movie & discussion Readings: Chapter 13 |
| December 6 | Sociobiology Evolutionary Approach to Human Behavior Readings: Excerpts from Sociobiology (E.O. Wilson), on reserve in Science Library |
| December 13 | Student presentations |
| Final Exam | To be scheduled |