Course code: (ZOL-727),  Credit Hours:  3

Pre-requisite of course

BS Zoology 

DESCRIPTION& OBJECTIVES

The aim of behavioral ecology is to try and understand how an animal’s behavior is adapted to the environment in which it lives. When we discuss adaptations we are referring to changes brought about during evolution by the process of natural selection. In this course, we will study how certain behavior evolves under a particular set of ecological conditions. We will try to learn how to integrate our knowledge of ecology, genetics, evolution, and behavior.

Learning Outcomes

The students are expected to understand the causation, development, survival value, and evolution of behavior. The  knowledge of behavioral ecology can be used to conserve wildlife and control pests by Integrated Pest management.

READINGS

1. Nicholas B. Davies, John R. Krebs, and Stuart A. West.  2012.An introduction to behavioral ecology. fourth edition. Willy-Blackwell. John Willy and Sons Ltd Publications. Oxford, UK.

2. Dugatkin, L. A. 2012. Principles of Animal Behavior. W.W. Norton and Co. New York.

3. Goodenough, J., McGuire, B.,   Jakob, E. 2009.Perspective on Animal Behavior. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

4. Etienne Danchin, Luc-Alain Giraldeau, and Frank Cézilly. 2008. Behavioral ecology: an evolutionary perspective on Behavior. Oxford University Press, UK.

5. Scott, G. 2005.Essential Animal Behavior. Blackwell Pub. New York.

6. John R. Krebs and Nicholas B. Davies. 1997. Behavioral ecology:  an evolutionary approach. Fourth edition. Blackwell Science Ltd. Oxford, UK.

CONTENTS

1. Natural Selection, Ecology And Behaviour.
2. Testing Hypotheses In Behavioural Ecology.
3. Economic Decisions And The Individual.
4. Predator Versus Prey: Evolutionary Arms Races.
5. Competing For Resources.
6. Living In Groups.
7. Fighting And Assessment.
8. Sexual Conflict And Sexual Selection.
9. Parental Care And Mating Systems.
10. Alternative Breeding Strategies.
11. On Selfishness And Altruism.
12. Co-Operation And Helping In Birds, Mammals, And Fish.
13. Co-Operation And Altruism In The Social Insects. 
14. The Design Of Signals: Ecology And Evolution

Evaluation system & Assessment criteria:

Students will be asked to take various assignments, presentations about the latest advancement/research, and important concepts of the subject.

Sessional marks: 20 comprising of:

Attendance, Assignments, Presentation, Participation etc

Term Paper: 30

Final exam: 50

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The students are directed to be regular in class as 80% attendance is mandatory. Students must abide by all University/semester rules and regulations.

Time table  

Monday 11-12

Tuesday 9-10

Thursday 11-12