Primatology
Objectives
The goal of this course is to present to the students the variability within the Order Primates, in and evolutionary perspective. We will revisit the wide diversity of the Primate Order in the various as aspects of their biology: anatomy, physiology, locomotion, diet, ecology, behavior, social organization, reproduction or cognition. This knowledge will be merged in order to understand why primates are, at the same time, so well succeed in terms of their evolution and so vulnerable in terms of their conservation. Specific examples will be explored to provide a more detailed understanding of the natural history diversity of the Order.
General characterization
Code
711001057
Credits
6
Responsible teacher
Available soon
Hours
Weekly - 4
Total - Available soon
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
None.
Bibliography
Boyd, R. & J. B. Silk, 2003. How humans evolved. London: W.W. Norton. Conroy, G. C., 1990. Primate Evolution. London: W. W. Norton. Caldecott, J. & L. Miles (eds.), 2005. World Atlas of Great Apes and their Conservation. Prepared at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Berkeley: University of California Press. Goodall. J., 1986. The Chimpanzees of Gombe Pattems of Behavior. Combridge: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. Kormos, R. & C. Boesch (eds), 2003. West African Chimpanzees: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Cambridge: Switzerland IUCN Gland. Matsuzawa, T. (ed.), 2001.Primate Origins of Human Cognition and Behaviour. Tokyo: Springer-Verlag. McGrew, W. C., L. F. Marchant. & T. Nishida (eds.), 1998. Great Ape Societies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Rowe, N., 1999. The Pictorial Guide to the Living Primates. New York: Pogonias Press. Smuts, B., 1987. Primate Societies. Chicago: Chicago University Press.
Teaching method
Part of the classes will be lectures led by the professor, always providing the opportunity for questions and discussion. Some other will focus on the analysis and discussion of previously selected scientific papers.
Evaluation method
The evaluation will be with no exam. There will be one written test covering all the taught topics and written/practical assays. Evaluation will be based on: a) Written test; b) Attendance/participation in classes and pratical/written assays; c) Final written essay
Subject matter
Introduction to Primatology: Importance of primate studies; What is a primate; Taxonomy of living primates; Geographical distribution and habitat. Primate Ecology: Diet, food distribution and patterns of distribution; Foraging and predation. Locomotion. Primate mating systems: reproductive strategies; sociability; costs and benefits of living in a group; social organization; sexual selection. Life histories: reproduction; R and K strategies. Juvenile primates and play. Primate cognition and intelligence: models for the evolution of intelligence; social and ecological knowledge; \"Theory of Mind\"; tools and social tools; learning and cultural transmission.
Primate Conservation: Main threats to living primates in their natural habitats Primate Evolution