Behavioural Ecology

Our aim in this course is to introduce you to the logic of thinking about the process of adaptation. We will do this by addressing a number of key controversies in behavioural ecology, the study of how natural selection shapes the behaviour of animals. Our lectures are in five modules that cover key topics: the trade-off between survival and reproduction, evolutionary arms races, the evolution of cooperation, the principles of animal communication, the perils of sex, and animal culture. We consider such questions as: How do animals balance the need to get food yet avoid predators? Can animals lie? Why are males usually bad parents? Why don’t parents produce only daughters? Why are animals choosy when mating? We will emphasise the importance of behavioural ecology to conservation. If we know the predictors of fitness for individuals, we can better predict population growth and responses to environmental change. Behavioural ecology provides the holistic understanding needed for practical conservation. ANU has a word-class behavioural ecology group, and we include our current research alongside that carried out worldwide. Our overall aim is to help you develop a logical approach to understand and test any question in evolutionary biology. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates, but also have additional components and assessment.