ECOL 280:
SOCIOBIOLOGY AND THE EVOLUTION OF COOPERATION
Why do animals and other organisms sometimes compete and sometimes cooperate? How do organisms in groups interact, how do they organize themselves or make group decisions? This course will give you some answers to these questions. We will discuss how social behavior evolves, and how it changes the life style of the animals that display it. We will also discuss whether this research can teach us about human social behavior.
You will not only learn about the diversity of social systems, but also understand how ecology and evolution shape organisms and their behavior. You will learn to read and understand original scientific literature, and to critically discuss it. By giving a presentation in the course you will practice to structure and communicate what you have learned.
Once you are registered for the course, you will get access to the D2L course webpage; there you can download readings, submit homework assignments, and see your grades. Make sure that you check this page frequently during the course. If you have problems accessing the d2l page, check these instructions.
If the course is full, check the catalog regularly - usually free slots will become available in the first couple of weeks of the semester.
Instructor: Anna Dornhaus
- I'm a biologist with a special interest in collective behavior and cognition. I work with social insects, particularly bumble bees, honey bees, and ants.
check out my lab webpage, department webpage, or personal webpage
Feel free to contact me with questions about the course or if you are interested in working in my lab:
dornhaus
email.arizona.edu
