Behavioral Ecology . Cr. 4

Neil Bernstein, Mount Mercy College

UI: 00L:165

ISU: Ia LL  404I
UNI: 890:165(g)

Animal coloniality, courtship, territoriality, predator defense, habitat selection, foraging, mating systems, and parental care will be examined in the field in order to evaluate various ecological and evolutionary theories of animal behavior. Meets June 2 to 27, 2008.

Prerequisite: two semesters of biology.

The course will present basic principles of evolutionary behavioral ecology with an emphasis on observing and studying behavior in the field. We will also spend time simulating ecological environments in the laboratory and observing behavior in a controlled setting. Familiarity with basic principles of ecology and evolution is essential; however, we will review these in class. We will also be presenting various statistical analyses, but a previous course in statistics is not required. You will need to purchase the most recent edition (Edition 8-2005) of John Alcock’s book, Animal Behavior, before arriving at Lakeside. A good pair of center-focus binoculars that are in working order will also be needed. Contact the instructor if you have questions about the binoculars. Other items you should bring include sunglasses, broad-rimmed hats, insect repellent, sun shield, rain gear, several changes of shoes (tennis shoes or boots) or an old pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Rubber boots, hip boots or chest waders are nice, if you have them. Bring a notebook, plenty of paper and pencils, and a statistical calculator.  Tentatively, there will be a two- to three-day field trip. Please bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad if you have one.  Field trip fee: $60.

For more information please contact Dr. Bernstein.

Phone: 319-363-8213

Email: nbernstein@mtmercy.edu