Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour

Description

Module summary: The module will encourage students to appreciate that evolution unifies Biology and that it explains the diversity of life on Earth. It will examine evolutionary processes to develop an understanding of adaptation to environments, across evolutionary time and in our rapidly changing modern world. The module takes animal behaviour, taught in a behavioural ecology framework, as a specific field in which evolution and adaptation can be explored. Objectives: On completion of this module, students should be able to emphasise the importance of evolutionary understanding as underpinning all areas of Biology. To familiarise students with evolutionary processes, and how these translate into adaptation, speciation and the diversity of life. To show how theoretical models can be tested with various forms of evidence. To use animal behaviour as an exemplar field in which to understand selection pressures and fitness outcomes. Learning outcomes: - Demonstrate a broad understanding of micro- and macro-evolutionary processes, linking evidence ranging from genetic sequences to the fossil record. - Describe biotic and abiotic factors promoting adaptation and speciation. - Explain major evolutionary transitions and radiations, including how evolutionary trees are constructed and used. - Explain animal behaviour in a behavioural ecology framework, focussing on concepts such as trade-offs and optimisation that link to adaptation. - Appreciate and employ different methods of enquiry in evolutionary/ behavioural ecology, critically evaluate the appropriateness of different lines of evidence and apply the concepts and methods to novel situations. - Communicate a scientific study, from conception through to future directions, to a scientific audience. Syllabus: - The origins of life and an overview of evolutionary history - Extinction and punctuated equilibrium; - Major transitions: life on land - Plant-animal interactions, mutualisms and coevolution; - Major radiations: invertebrates; - Major radiations: vertebrates; - Adaptation: Natural and Sexual Selection; - Speciation; - Sexual selection and mating systems - The basis of behaviour: role of the environment, learning, role of genes; - Optimal foraging, group foraging, foraging behaviour and social structure; - Predator-prey relations, - Game theory, Competition and territoriality; - Kin selection and altruism. Finally, students will be introduced to real-world examples where evolutionary or behavioural ecology understanding is important in contexts such as disease, agriculture and conservation. Teaching Methods: Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours Lecture 20 1 20 Practical 4 1.5 6 Independent online learning hours 6 Private study hours 168 Total Contact hours 26 Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200 Methods of Assessment: Coursework Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment Group Project Scientific style poster 30 Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 30 Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated Exams Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) 2.0 Hrs Mins 70 Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 70 Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, the poster may be an individual poster.