Ateneo - UPO

Evolution of social behavior in animals. Development of sociality, territoriality, parental care, sexual evolution, communication systems and eusociality.

Suggested book
Dustin R. Rubenstein John Alcock, Etologia. Un approccio evolutivo, 5ed

Lectures aim to provide basic and advance knowledge on different animal societies (ex. primates, ungulates, birds and insects). Costs and benefits of sociality, altruism, and communication as a fundamental element of animal societies will be analyzed in depth. Last lectures will be on insect societies.

Zoology

Since lectures are interactive with videos projections and exercises performed in class, it is highly recommended to participate.
DIR platform will be used as a didactic support.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam is divided in two parts:
- Oral presentation with slides of a scientific paper that the student can select from those present in the DIR platform, framing the article within the main topics discussed in class and making a critical analysis.
- Oral exam.

During lectures the following macro-topics will be developed in one or more lessons:
1. Basic concepts of sociobiology
2. Costs and benefits of sociality in the animal world
3. Group selection and altruism
4. Evolution of sociality
4. Sociality in relation to environmental and demographic conditions
5. Communication as a fundamental element of animal societies
6. Eusociality

At the end of the lectures the student will acquire competence on sociobiology and understanding of texts and papers related to the topics developed during the semester.