ENVC 405 - Behavioral Ecology

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 22
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Investigates the evolutionary and ecological behavioral adaptations of animals. Various taxonomic groups will be examined with an emphasis on vertebrate species as well as species of ecological and economic importance. Ecological behavior will be viewed in light of ecosystem management activities and conservation of biodiversity.

Prerequisite: Admission to BASEC or Department Chair permission.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Analyze the evolutionary causes and consequences of variations in behavioral adaptation of animals.
Analyze how adaptations of feeding behavior, survival, and behavioral strategies lead to habitat selection.
Analyze behavioral strategies for reproduction and the development of mating systems.
Explain the consequences of the development of social behavior for conservation and management.

Course Contents

Consequences of animal variation.
Natural selection and adaptation.
Development of animal behavior.
Feeding behavior and survival.
Behavioral strategies in habitat selection.
Behavioral strategies in reproductive behavior and development of mating systems.
Development of social behavior and management challenges.

Instructional Units: 5.5