1. The evolutionary approach to the study of behaviour. 2. Proximate causes of behaviour. 3. Development of behaviour. 4. Genetics of behaviour 5. Control of behaviour: neural mechanisms. 6. Hormones and behaviour 7. Bird song: proximate and ultimate causes. 8. Evolution of communication
Knolewdge acquired:
Ethological terminology;
Theories about evolution of behaviour;
Interactions between nervous system and behaviour;
Interactions between endocrine system and behaviour;
Evolution of communication
Competence acquired
To frame the diversity of behavioural processesin an evolutionary perspective, in terms of cost and benefits.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
• osservazioni comportamentali in laboratorio;
• osservazioni comportamentali sul campo;
• costruire un etogramma;
• analizzare una sequenza comportamentale
• analisi quantitativa di un comportamento
Prerequisites
none
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities: 102
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 48
Contact hours for: Laboratory (hours): 0
Contact hours for: Laboratory-field/practice (hours): 0
Seminars (hours): 0
Stages: 0
Intermediate examinations: 0
Further information
Office hours:
After the lesson
Monday 9.30 c/o Dip. Biologia Evoluzionistica
Type of Assessment
Oral exam
Course program
1. The evolutionary approach to the study of behaviour. Questions about behaviour: how and why. Proximate and ultimate causes. The comparative method. Evolution. Testing hypothesis.
2. Proximate causes of behaviour. Fixed action patterns. Supernormal stimulus. Instinct and learning. Appetivie and consummatory behaviour
3. Development of behaviour.
4. Genetics of behaviour
5. Control of behaviour: neural mechanisms. Antipredatory strategies in moths. Stimulus filtering. Motor control.
6. Hormones and behaviour
7. Bird song: proximate and ultimate causes.
8. Evolution of communication. Adaptive value of signals. Adaptive responses to predators.