Faculty First Year Seminars 191BIO6 - Biology & Behavior of Cat

This seminar will explore the biology and behavior of the domestic cat from an evolutionary and ecological perspective. Students will be introduced to the evolution of mammals and wild cats. The seminar will explore the domestication process and how this shaped the current behavior and biology of the domestic cat and how cat ancestry left its marks on this companion animal. The positive and negative health impacts of domestic cats will be discussed. The seminar will conclude with a discussion of feral cats, their impacts on wildlife, and their management. The seminar will include short lectures followed by discussions of readings and documentaries. Students will work in groups on a short presentation on a topic related to cats.

First year (Fr or Soph)