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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Introduction to Animal Behavior
Course: BIO116

First Term: 2023 Spring
Lecture   4.0 Credit(s)   3.0 Period(s)   3.0 Load  
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T- Lab Load


Description: Scientific study of animal behavior for non-majors. Includes experimental exploration of current hypotheses for genetic and environmental influences, communication, reproductive strategies, habitat selection, and sociality.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Perform laboratory activities using relevant equipment and supplies to observe animal behavior. (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX)
2. Analyze data collected in the study of animal behavior using the scientific method, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking. (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX)
3. Describe the relationship between genetics and the environment in the evolution or development of a behavioral phenotype. (I, II)
4. Explain the similarities and differences between proximate and ultimate explanations in animal behavior. (I, II, IX)
5. Explain evolution by natural selection and how natural selection shapes behavior. (I, V)
6. Discuss common evolutionary models and theories of sexual selection. (I, V)
7. Describe animal communication and the major modes of communication behavior. (III)
8. Distinguish between instinctive and learned behaviors. (IV)
9. Explain how scientists study animal cognition. (IV)
10. Describe the evolution of variation in parental care and investment. (V)
11. Describe the evolution of behavioral interactions between species and within species. (VI)
12. Explain the evolution of sociality and how collective behaviors emerge from individual decisions. (VII)
13. Explain habitat selection, territoriality and migration. (VIII)
14. Describe the roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in animal behavior. (IX)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Foundations of animal behavior
   A. Natural selection
   B. Defining characteristics of behavior
   C. Using the scientific method in study of behavior
   D. Testing hypotheses using Tinbergen’s Four Questions
   E. Proximate and ultimate explanations
   F. Evolution of behaviors
   G. Interspecies comparative behavior
II. Behavior and genetics
   A. Phenotype, genotype, and genetic inheritance
   B. Impact of the environment on behavioral phenotype
III. Communication
   A. Major modes of communication
      1. Visual
      2. Auditory
      3. Chemical
      4. Electrical
      5. Tactile
   B. Signalers and receivers
   C. Honest and deceptive communication
      1. Eavesdropping
      2. Manipulation
      3. Sensory exploitation
IV. Learning and cognition
   A. Instinctive and learned behaviors
   B. Animal cognition
      1. Sense of self
      2. Tool use
      3. Navigation
      4. Social interaction
      5. Culture
      6. Other
V. Mating and parenting behavior
   A. Sex determination patterns
   B. Sex-related behavioral differences
   C. Natural selection and sexual selection
   D. Evolution of sexual selection
   E. Mating strategies and behavior
   F. Evolution of parental care and investment strategies
VI. Behavioral interaction (e.g. mutualism, predation, parasitism, etc.)
   A. Between species
   B. Within species
VII. Sociality
   A. Social behavior
      1. Eusocial
      2. Subsocial
      3. Solitary
   B. Costs and benefits
   C. Collective behaviors that emerge from behaviors of individuals in groups
VIII. Habitat selection
   A. Ecology of feeding and foraging behavior
   B. Habitat selection
   C. Changing home site
   D. Migration and territoriality
IX. Mechanisms of behavior
   A. Nervous systems
   B. Endocrine systems
   C. Cycles and rhythms
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: May 24, 2022

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.