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Group associations occur during the life of most animals and often convey several adaptive advantages to the individual. In this seminar we will discuss important concepts and adaptive models for animals that live in groups. We will read chapters from the recent book "Living in Groups" by J. Krause and G. D. Ruxton (2002, Oxford Press - available in the bookstore), related papers from the primary literature and papers of interest to class participants. This course is well-suited for any graduate student interested in organismal approaches to the behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology of terrestrial or aquatic organisms. The seminar will convene on Wednesdays from 5.30 - 7 pm in the Zoology Conference Room (next to Edm 152). |
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Schedule |
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Week |
Date | Discussion Leader |
Chapter/Paper |
| 1 | 8/22 | Organizational meeting | |
| 2 | 8/29 | no class | |
| 3 | 9/5 | Kelly Boyle |
2. Benefits of group formation |
| 4 | 9/12 | Jessica Berryman |
3. Cost of grouping |
| 5 | 9/19 | " | |
| 6 | 9/26 | James Jackson |
4. Size of the group |
| 7 | 10/3 | " | |
| 8 | 10/10 | Adam Dewan |
5. Spatial heterogeneity of costs and benefits |
| 9 | 10/17 | " | |
| 10 | 10/24 | Laura Kloepper |
6. Group membership |
| 11 | 10/31 | " | |
| 12 | 11/7 | Kelly Boyle |
7. Evolutionary considerations |
| 13 | 11/14 | Garrett Lynch |
8. Environmental effects on grouping behavior |
| 14 | 11/21 | " | |
| 15 | 11/28 | Jessica Berryman |
9. Mechanisms Luanay et al. 1993 Reuter and Breckling 1994 |
| 16 | 12/6 | Laura Kloepper |
Final Exam |