Andrea Pilastro (2007) Sesso ed Evoluzione, Bompiani
J.Alcock, Ethology. VIII Ed.
Available in the library. Readings and additional arguments on the site.
Learning Objectives
To frame the diversity of animal reproduction (mitosis, meiosis, parthenogenesis) inside an evolutionary and developmental background, with an appropriate terminology.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology, genetics and statistics.
Teaching Methods
The evolution of sexual reproduction is analyzed in detail, the experiments discussed in an historical background.
Further information
Seminars on specific issues of sexual behaviour, in humans and animals
Type of Assessment
Students who attend the course (max N=20-25) discuss a favourite topic by means of Power Point at the end of the course. For the others oral examinations: 2 questions based on lessons and one question about a favourite topic
Course program
The corse is focussed on the evolutionary approach to animal and human sexual behaviour, i.e. the adaptive value of a behavioural trait, its historical basis, its costs and benefits in terms of Darwinian fitness. The main topic is the evolution of sex dimorphism: male and female reproductive strategies, mating systems, parental care, human sexual behaviour and family in a sociobiological perspective.