ZL3061 - Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology

Credit points:	03
Year:	2005
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:

Ecological and behavioural systems exist within an evolutionary framework and can only be understood within this context. This subject combines the areas of evolutionary biology, ecology and behaviour and explores the methods used to examine ecological and behavioural systems within an evolutionary framework. There is a strong emphasis on understanding how to derive and test adaptationist hypotheses, through a series of case studies that include: the evolution and maintenance of sex; the use of phylogenies in comparative analysis; the organisation of complex systems; the evolution of eusociality; sexual selection and mate choice.

Learning Outcomes

• familiarity with the process of natural selection and evolution;
• further develop written, verbal and presentation skills;
• understand how ecological and behavioural processes operate within an evolutionary framework;
• understand how to propose and evaluate alternative hypotheses concerning the evolution of ecological and behavioural characteristics.

Prerequisites:	(BS2001 OR BZ2400) AND (BZ2440 OR MB2060 OR ZL2007 OR ZL2102) or permission of HOS
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	ZL5061

Availabilities
, , Study Period 2
Census Date 31-Aug-2005
Coord/Lect:	zlskr.
Contact hours:	26 hours 13 hours
Assessment:	(40%); (40%); (20%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.