This course will introduce an evolutionary approach to the study of how organisms reproduce and behave, with a special focus on how to formulate and test adaptationist hypotheses. Topics that may be covered include: the metaphor of the selfish gene; how animals find food and avoid getting eaten; how organisms allocate resources to reproduction; parent-offspring conflict; why organisms senesce; evolution of sex; evolution of gender; female choice and sexual selection; sperm competition; mating systems; the evolution of cooperation; the evolution of intelligence; the evolution of signals and communication. BIOL3132 gives practical experience in the field of behavioural ecology, and is designed to be carried out at the same time as this course.

Assessment is expected to be based on a written exercise in science journalism, a review exercise, and a final examination.

BIOL2151 or BIOL2131 or PSYC2007, or agreement of coordinator.

BIOL3031

BIOL3132 strongly recommended.