Biology 430 - Behavioral Ecology

This course will explore the relationship between an animal's behavior and its social and ecological context. The topic for 2018 will be the evolution of sexual dimorphism in animals. Sexual dimorphism is widespread in animals, yet its causes remain controversial and have generated much debate. In this seminar, we will examine a variety of sexual dimorphisms in different groups of animals and consider hypotheses for how these sexual dimorphisms may have evolved. We will then consider how these hypotheses are tested in an attempt to identify the best approaches to studying the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Then we will look at evidence that either supports or refutes various hypothesized mechanisms for the evolution of sexual dimorphisms in different animal groups. Finally, we will consider whether some mechanisms for the evolution of sexual dimorphism are more convincing among certain kinds of organisms than others. Three hours per week.

Requisite: One or more courses from BIOL 181, BIOL 230, BIOL 280, BIOL 281, BIOL 320, BIOL 321 or consent of the instructor. Not open to first-year students or to students who have taken the seminar in previous years. Limited to 15 students. Fall semester. Professor Temeles.