BIOL 205 - Introduction to Animal Behavior

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 4
LAB hours per week: 2
This lab science course will study the behavior and social organization of a variety of animal groups ranging from insects to primates and is intended for the interested student in fulfillment of the general education lab science requirements. Topics include the analysis of general principles of behavior modes and observation of animal behavior in the field and laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 087 or AENG 100 with a grade of C or higher or appropriate placement; or permission of the Science Division Chair or designee.
Recommended: READ 088 or higher.
Course Outcomes:

Apply major terms, vocabulary, methods and concepts relevant to animal behavior.
Interpret primary literature articles in the field of animal behavior.
Formulate questions and hypotheses to explain behaviors observed during field studies.
Solve problems associated with the evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) using game theory.
Explain the evolution of different reproductive strategies (male and female) and mating strategies (e.g., monogamy, polygyny).
Explain the evolution of animal signals, why they evolve, and how they communicate.
Use lab equipment safely and with technical skill.

Course Topics:

Animal welfare and conservation
Historical persepctives of animal behavior
Behavior and Morphology
Habitat selection and migration
Foraging theory
Antipredator behavior
Game theory
Communication
Sexual selection
Mating systems
Proximate and ultimate causes of animal behavior
Parental care
Kinship
Cooperation
Human behavior
Applications of Animal Behavior

Course Attribute(s): Lab Course, Natural Science