This course is designed as an introduction to the diversity of the Animal Kingdom, including taxonomy, evolution, and life cycles. It includes an introduction to the diversity of the Plant Kingdom, as well as cyanobacteria and fungi, and protists. This course also covers the structure, function, and integration of the animal body systems. Labs are experimental and descriptive.
This course examines the mechanistic and evolutionary causes of animal behavior. There is an emphasis on linking behaviors to natural selection and evolution throughout the course. Topics include behavioral ecology, social behavior, reproductive behavior, anti-predator strategies, optimum foraging theory, and communication. The physiological processes that control these behaviors are explored. Laboratory exercises involve direct observational measurements with live animals.