ZL5026:03
Animal Behaviour
Townsville
Prerequisites: BS2001
Inadmissable Subject Combination: ZL3026
39 lectures, 3 tutorials, 12 hours practicals. First semester.
Available to students enrolled for the degrees of MSc; a two semester customised DipResMeth (in lieu of Masters Qual); MAppSc; BAppSc or Graduate Diplomas.
Staff: Dr R Rowe.
General principles of animal behaviour in an evolutionary context. This subject includes methods for interpreting behaviour studies, ontogenetic development of behaviour, foraging behaviour, mating systems, animal communication. Topics include determinants of behaviour; evolution – the selective advantage of behaviours; ethology and comparative psychology; sociobiology; optimality; optimal foraging theory; closed and open programs; learning in nature and the laboratory; critical periods – imprinting; ontogenetic changes in behaviour patterns; navigation; intra-specific interactions; predation and predatory versatility; mating systems; courtship; communication. Students will be expected to attend ZL3026 lectures and practicals.
Learning Objectives:
- understand the intellectual foundation of behavioural studies;
- understand methodological principles in behaviour studies;
- obtain an understanding of the empirical basis for behaviour studies;
- obtain a synoptic view of animal behaviour by examining selected case studies.
Assessment by examination (60%); essays (40%).