Ethology covers the study of the mechanisms and evolution of animal behaviour. We will examine behaviour within the framework of Tinbergen’s four areas of inquiry: causation (mechanisms), development, function and evolution (phylogeny) with an emphasis on behavioral ecology. Topics include methods for the observation and quantification of behaviour, natural selection and evolution of behaviour, habitat selection, migration, territoriality, feeding behaviour, sexual reproduction, mating systems, parental investment, communication and social behaviour.
Service-Learning activities will promote the integration of Sustainable Development Goals into the teaching of this subject.
Contingency plan
1. Modifications to the contents
- None
2. Methodologies
*Teaching methodologies that are maintained
- All. If needed, methodologies will be adapted by the use of online platforms.
*Teaching methodologies that are modified
- None
3. Mechanisms for personalized attention to students
Students may get in contact with teachers in office hours through available methods: email, Moodle and Teams. Appointments may be individual or collective.
4. Modifications in the evaluation
- All assessment methods are mantained.
*Evaluation observations: Even if all assessment methods are mantained, their relative weigh in the grading system will vary. Thus, their new relative weigh will be: Researach project (practical report): 25%; Supervised project or Service-Learning: 25%; Short answer questionnaire (exam): 40%; Seminars (10%)
5. Modifications to the bibliography or webgraphy
-None
(*)The teaching guide is the document in which the URV publishes the information about all its courses. It is a public document and cannot be modified. Only in exceptional cases can it be revised by the competent agent or duly revised so that it is in line with current legislation.