Primate Socio-ecology
Objectives
In this UC we aim to provide the students with a general and wide knowledge on what characterizes a living primate and the diversity of this taxonomic group. This goal will be achieved by exploring the enormous socio-ecological diversity of the Primate Order, always exploring how the evolutionary history, ecology and sociality of the different species interact with the environment, to produce successful adaptive strategies. We expect the students to integrate their knowledge on the socio-ecology of the various living primates as a way to understand their strategies in an evolutionary and adaptive perspective.
General characterization
Code
02111232
Credits
10.0
Responsible teacher
Tânia Minhós Condeço Rodrigues
Hours
Weekly - 3
Total - 280
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
N/A
Bibliography
Boyd, R. & Silk, J. B., 2003. How humans evolved. 3rd Ed. London, W.W. Norton.
Conroy, G. C., 1990. Primate evolution. London, W. W. Norton.
Rowe, N., 1999. The pictorial guide to the living primates. New York, Pogonias Press.
Smuts, B., 1987. Primate Societies. Chicago. Chicago University Press.
Strier, K. B., 2000. Primate Behavioral Ecology. Boston. MA: Allyn and Bacon
Teaching method
Some of the lectures will be explanatory while others will focus on the analyses and discussion of previously selected scientific papers. Additionally, two to three researchers will be invited to present and discuss their studies with the students.
Evaluation method
Continuous assessment - Attendance and participation in the classes, including the discussion of the different themes, practical exercises, oral presentations or paper discussion(20%), Final assay carried out in groups(30%), Written exam(50%)
Subject matter
1. Introduction to primatology: Features and diversity of the Primate Order
2. Primate ecology: Diet, Distribution patterns of different foods; Foraging and predation; Influence of diet on social and reproductive strategies
3. Primate social systems: Social organization; Costs and benefits of group-living; Sociality and kinship; Mating systems and dispersal; Cooperation and conflict; Social learning and cultural transmission