Advanced Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology

We begin by outlining key concepts in behavioural and evolutionary ecology with an in-depth discussion of its historical context. We then explore how sociality arises and what the selective forces underlying the various forms found in nature and humans are. We then discuss broader concepts such as plasticity, niche construction and evo-devo to show how these form part of an extended definition of evolutionary biology. This is complemented by a case study where we look in detail at how a fundamental question about indirect genetic effects has been addressed using quantitative genetics. This is complemented by a discussion of how behavioural ecology is applied to conservation biology and by identifying current hot topics. We finally take a broader look at human evolution, and trace the ecological and social transitions to modern humans, identify signatures of recent selection and explore current and future selective changes.

This seminar style course provides a detailed perspective on the major concepts in behavioural ecology and evolutionary biology illustrated by in-depth current research examples. We will discuss fundamental questions, how and why they originated in fields such as epigenetics, phenotypic plasticity, conservation biology, genomics and bioinformatics and what the links between these and our understanding of evolution are. A particular focus is to understand the structure of evolutionary theory tracing its development from pre-Darwinian forms to the Extended Synthesis that incorporates aspects of epigenetics, plasticity, niche construction and evolvability. This is complemented by discussions on the most recent major advances in the field.

•    A basic understanding of key concepts such as optimality, game theory, and comparative approaches 
•    In depth understanding of theoretical and empirical approaches with critiques, e.g., sexual selection, indirect genetic effects, phenotypic plasticity, New Synthesis 
•    Application of behavioural ecology and animal behaviour studies (e.g. conservation biology) and the use of genomics, statistics and quantitative genetic tools in evolutionary biology
•    Being able to conceptualize current research areas both in the broader context and their links. To identify quantitative, empirical and theoretical approaches suitable to tackle current fundamental questions in behavioural and evolutionary ecology
•    Being able to use AI tools (University of Manchester Copilot) effectively and critically in researching a scientific question.
 

eLearning Activity: 

a) Online assignment about unanswered big questions 

b) Practice exam paper & peer review

a)    2-hour written examination (79%). AI not permitted

b)    Practice exam paper and peer review. Develop two outline answers to past exam questions, and peer review two student outline answers. (6%) AI not permitted

c)    ‘The Big Question’ abstract. (15%) AI integrated. The use of Copilot is required for this assessment.
 

Feedback on student performance and participation is central to achieving the learning outcomes. Feedback on the exam will be given through a 1h feedback session during which each student can have the grade explained. Each script is annotated, giving individual feedback.

•    Gini B, Hager R. 2012. Behavioural ecology. Encyclopaedia of Life Sciences. Chichester:Wiley. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470015902.a0003217.pub2/full
•    Westneat DF & Fox CW. 2010. Evolutionary behavioral ecology. Oxford UP. 
•    Pigliucci M & Mueller GB. 2010. Evolution – The extended synthesis. MIT Press (sections I, II, IV, VI, rest is optional)
•    Other textbook used: Krebs JR, Davies NB, West SA. 2012. An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology. 4th ed; Oxford UP