Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Learning outcomes/objectives
Content
Teaching and learning
strategies
Learning support
Evolution and Behaviour
BH201
5
20
BH101 and BH102 or equivalent
Extensive
The aims of the module are to introduce students to modern evolutionary
theory and its application to behavioural ecology. The module examines
three aspects of evolutionary theory; adaptation and the evolution of body
form, evolution of species and the evolution of behaviour. The module also
introduces students to methods used in the analysis of animal behaviour in
an ecological context.
At the end of the module students should be able to
1) Demonstrate an understanding of the origin of species and the
fundamental basis of current evolutionary theory.
2) Discuss the influence of ecological factors on the evolution of
behaviour.
3) Discuss how environmental variables & physiological state can affect
behaviour
4) Critically review the validity of applying behavioural ecology theory to
human cultures.
5) Appreciate the importance of the scientific method and the collection,
analysis and interpretation of experimental data to the study of animal
behaviour in an ecological context.
 Areas covered include:
 Evolutionary theory, adaptation and the evolution of form and function.
 Key elements and concepts of behavioural ecology.
 Innate responses versus learnt behaviour, learning processes, ecological
role of learning.
 Evolution of behaviour which may include elements of: foraging and
territoriality, signalling and communication, mating systems and sexual
selection, parental care, predation and anti-predatory mechanisms, and
sociality.
 Selective areas in behavioural ecology, which may include predation,
foraging theory and sexual selection.
 Aspects of human behavioural ecology
200 hours in total, normally comprising of 52 hours lectures, seminars and
practical workshops. Contact sessions are supplemented by directed reading,
video sessions, and group and class exercises. The remaining time will be
independent study and directed reading.
Current editions of
Alcock J. Animal Behaviour. Sinauer Associates Inc.
Barnes, R.S.K. The Diversity of Living Organisms Blackwell, Oxford
Barnes, R.S.K., Calow, P. & Olive, P.J.W. The Invertebrates: a New
Synthesis. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford.
Clarkson, E.N.K. Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution. 4th ed.
Blackwell, Oxford.
Danchin, et al. Behavioural Ecology. Oxford University Press
Dawkins, R The Selfish Gene Oxford University Press.Gaston K.J. &
Spicer, J.I. Biodiversity: an introduction. Blackwells Publisher, Oxford.
Krebs, J.R. & N.B. Davies. An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology.
Blackwells.
Margulis, L. & Schwartz, K.V. Five Kingdoms: an Illustrated Guide to the
Phyla of Life on Earth. W.H. Freeman, New York.
Purves W.K., Orians G.H., Heller H.C. and Sadava D.Life: the Science of
Biology, Freeman .
Scagel, R.F., Bandoni, R.J., Maze, J.R., Rouse, G.E., Schofield, W.B. &
Stein, J.R. Plants: an Evolutionary Survey. Wadsworth, Belmont,
California.
Sleigh, M.A. Protozoa and other Protists. Edward Arnold, London.
Webster, J. Introduction to Fungi. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Wilson, E.O. The Diversity of Life. Harvard University Press.
Assessment tasks
Brief description of module
content and/or aims (maximum
80 words)
Area examination board to
which module relates
Module
team/authors/coordinator
Semester offered, where
appropriate
Site where delivered
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this version
Version number
Replacement for previous
module
Field for which module is
acceptable and status in that
course
Course(s) for which module is
acceptable and status in that
course
School home
External examiner
The module will be supported by supplementary material and links placed
on the StudentCentral.
100% coursework comprising three components:
1. An unseen test (MCQ & short answers) (25%) (LO 2, 3)
2. Two write-ups from practical classes (25% each overall 50%) (LO 5)
3. A short essay of maximum 2000 words (25%) (LO1,4)
The module aims to introduce students to evolutionary theory and its
application to understanding observed behavioural ecology of animals and
humans. The module examines three aspects of evolutionary theory;
adaptation and the evolution of body form, evolution of species and the
evolution of behaviour.
Biology and Biomedical Sciences
Dr Angelo Pernetta (module leader) and other members of Biology Division
1
UCH/Moulsecoomb
2008
2008
2011
2
n/a
Biology/Ecology, Optional
Environmental Biology, Compulsory
BA Joint Hons. Environmental Biology & Education, Compulsory
BSc. Joint Hons Biology, Compulsory
BSc. Joint Hons. Environmental Biology & Education, Compulsory
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Diana Bell