Module ANTH3717: Primate Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3717: Primate Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour

Prerequisites

• Our Place in Nature (ANTH2071)

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to topics in primate evolution, ecology and behaviour
• To examine the evolution of the primate radiation, adaptation and societies, and how environmental, demographic and social factors influence animals' decisions about how to organise their lives
• Special regard is paid to understanding key theoretical concepts and how these may be applied to empirical studies of non-human primates

Content

• Contemporary topics in primate behaviour which may include the following:
• Determinants of Primate Group Size and Social Structure
• Resource Competition and Territoriality
• Predation and Primate Behaviour
• Social Relationships, Grooming and Reconciliation
• Sexual Selection and Reproductive Strategies
• Sexual Dimorphism
• Sexual Conflict and Infanticide
• Primate Life Histories
• Technical Intelligence (foraging)
• Communication
• Indicators of social intelligence
• Evidence for culture or traditions
• Adaptive radiation, taxonomy, phylogeny and evolutionary history
• Palaeobiology, palaeoecology and palaeontology

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have developed:
• A firm grasp of contemporary evolutionary and ecological theories and the ways in which they have been extended to understand the evolution, ecology and behaviour of primates.
• An advanced understanding of current issues in primate evolution, ecology and behaviour.

• By the end of the module students will have developed:
• An ability to examine the literature critically and evaluate theoretical models based on available data, including awareness of limitations in the quality of data and the way it is handled, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the models themselves.

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• Express themselves clearly and concisely on specialised topics, and explain why particular issues are important and/or controversial, in both presentations and in writing.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures introduce students to key topics and provide a baseline for students’ independent learning and seminar preparation.
• Seminars centred on student presentations facilitate library research and independent and peer-learning. They allow students to interrogate the primary literature and work through and discuss key arguments of important topics in primate evolution, ecology and behaviour.
• Formative feedback on seminar presentations and the 400 word written assignment plan, as well as the written assignment itself, will help students to develop skills and consolidate their knowledge and understanding, including the ability to present the key arguments of important topics, evaluate tests of theoretical concepts, and structure an argument.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback is given for seminar presentations and on a written assignment plan of 400 words

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University