Cognitive Science 0339 - Urban Wildlife Behavior

How do animals adapt to anthropogenic changes in the environment? Urbanization and climate change are causing dramatic and rapid modifications in the environment. Animals must adapt to environmental change in order to survive. In this upper-level seminar we will read the current academic literature in this field. We will review both theoretical and empirical research, covering a variety of taxa and environments. Students will present and discuss research articles in the format of a graduate level seminar, and will write a literature-based review. The class is appropriate for Division III students and upper level Division II students who have an interest in the scientific study of animal behavior, and have taken some coursework in this area. Prerequisite: At least one course in one of the following areas: animal behavior, behavioral ecology, comparative psychology, or a course that has read scientific literature on environmental climate change or urbanization.

Writing and Research The class is appropriate for Division III students and upper level Division II students who have an interest in the scientific study of animal behavior, and have taken some coursework in this area.