Anthropology 236Q: Human Behavioral Ecology

Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to the field of human behavioral ecology. Behavioral ecology is the application of the theory of natural selection to the study of behavior in an ecological setting, with particular focus on the adaptive features and biological design of behavior. The principal purpose of the class is to provide students with a broad, but deep, overview of the major theoretical issues in human behavioral ecology and of the empirical data that have been brought to bear on those issues.

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Course Format

Classes will primarily consist of lectures, but will also include in-class exercises. Questions during class on lectures and readings are encouraged, as are general discussions on class topics. The general tone of all discussions should be supportive of a free exchange of ideas. Lectures will often elaborate upon material covered in your readings, however lectures will not be a restatement of your readings.

Overheads (generally consisting of graphs, data, or outlines) used during lectures will be available several days following lecture.

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Grades

Final grades will be calculated from grades on homework assignments, quizzes, and 3 exams. Homework assignments and quizzes will make up 40% of the final grade. Each exam will make up 20% of the final grade. Exams will cover lecture and reading materials.

Make-up exams: If you are unable to take an exam at the scheduled time, you must notify me before the exam. I can be contacted either by phone (I have an answering machine) or e-mail. If I am not contacted prior to the exam you will receive a failing grade for that exam. Make-ups will be permitted to students who contact me prior to the exam only if they have written documentation from a doctor, parent, advisor, dorm resident, or some other relevant authority. Otherwise, they will receive a failing grade on that exam.

Tips on how to do well in this class: Come to class regularly and do all of the readings. Regularly review your notes. If you miss class make sure you get the notes from someone who attended class. If you do not understand something make sure you ask me during class or office hours.

Exam format: Exams will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The final exam is cumulative.

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Readings

Readings

There are 2 texts and a course pack required for this course. They can be purchased at the UConn Co-op and are also on 3-hour reserve at Babbidge Library Reserve Desk. Any additional readings will be announced in class. The texts are:

The Behavioral Ecology of Efe Pygmy Men in the Ituri Forest, Zaire by Robert Bailey

The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

All reading assignments will be announced in class.

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Supplementary Readings

The following books are supplementary reading for the course. They will be on reserve at the library and can be checked out for three days at a time.

Inujjuamiut Foraging Strategies: Evolutionary Ecology of an Arctic Hunting Economy by E.A. Smith

Social Evolution by Robert Trivers

Introduction to Behavioral Ecology by J.R. Krebs and N.B. Davies

Evolutionary Ecology and Human Behavior by E.A. Smith and B. Winterhalder

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Course Topics

CP = course pack

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Overheads

Overheads (generally consisting of graphs, data, or outlines) used during lectures will be available several days following lecture.

• Science
• Natural Selection
• Natural Selection and Behavior
• Phenotypic Gambit
• Tinbergen's 4 Questions
• Life History Theory
• Frequency Dependence and ESS Theory
• More ESS Notes
• Kin Selection
• Parental Care
• Prisoner's Dilemma and Reciprocal Altruism
• Prisoner's Dilemma Simulation I
• Prisoner's Dilemma Simulation II
• More on the Prisoner's Dilemma
• Food Sharing
• Information on Darkness in El Dorado Website

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