Animal ethology

obligatory courses

The course covers issues related to the behaviours of vertebrates and invertebrates in connection with other elements of their biology. It also discusses the main methods of studying animal behaviour and includes conducting and interpreting observations in the laboratory and in the field. Issues of systematics and the evolution of organs in vertebrates will be covered as well, and the links between zoology and ecology, ethology and zoogeography.

The course covers issues related to the behaviours of vertebrates and invertebrates in connection with other elements of their biology, including: choosing a habitat, finding food, defensive behaviours, physical activity, functioning of the senses, learning, communication, emotions and personalities in animals. It also discusses the main methods of studying animal behaviour. The biology and ecology of selected vertebrate species will be outlined, with a special focus on their role and importance for humans. Issues related to the effects of human impact, synanthropization, anthropogenic barriers and invasive species will be discussed. The practical classes will include learning to identify the most important representatives of native fauna, especially mammalian fauna, avifauna and herpetofauna, including rare and protected species.

The practical classes comprise several thematic blocks. The various segments are different in character: 1. a seminar part that includes the students’ study and presentation of material from the literature, 2. an experimental part that includes planning and conducting an experiment involving direct observation of animals of different species as well as analysing and presenting the results, 3. field observations conducted as part of a semester project, 4. field observations during away-from-home workshops.

Topics covered:

Part I. Warsaw. The behaviours of vertebrates and invertebrates in the context of other elements of their biology and the environment they live in, including: choosing a habitat, finding food, defensive behaviours, physical activity, stimulus reception, learning, communication, personalities and emotions. What behaviour is and what it is not. Observation and interpretation of behaviour. How and why – different levels of asking about behaviour. Physiological control of behaviours. The daily rhythm. Phenotype development. Nature vs. nurture. Review of vertebrate taxa – morphological and physiological adaptations to lifestyle and environmental conditions. Their diversity and significance in nature and the life of humans.

Part II. Urwitałt. Vertebrate (predatory birds and mammals) behaviour and evolutionary adaptations related to foraging. Defensive behavior and physical activity. 'Arms race' between predators and prey. Observation and interpretation of the behavior of animals of different social groups and trophic levels.

• Alcock J. 2005. Animal behaviour. Sinauer

• Jędrzejewska B., Jędrzejewski W. 2001. Ekologia zwierząt drapieżnych Puszczy Białowieskiej. PWN (wybrane zagadnienia)

• Krebs J.R., Davies N.B. 2014. Wprowadzenie do ekologii behawioralnej. PWN (wybrane zagadnienia)

• Martin P., Bateson P. 1986. Measuring behaviour. An introducory guide. Cambridge University Press (wybrane zagadnienia)

• Sadowski B. 2007. Biologiczne mechanizmy zachowania się ludzi i zwierząt. PWN (wybrane zagadnienia)

• Szarski H. 1998. Historia Zwierząt Kręgowych. PWN wybrane zagadnienia)

• Weiner J. 1999. Życie i ewolucja biosfery. PWN, wybrane zagadnienia)

• Weiner J. 1998. Technika pisania i prezentowania przyrodniczych prac naukowych: przewodnik praktyczny. PWN

• anglojęzyczne artykuły naukowe polecone przez prowadzących

Upon completing the course students will:

1. Know the rudiments of animal science, including ethology, zoology, physiology, ecology, nature and environmental protection (KW_01)

2. Know the biological foundations of behaviours, including evolutionary factors (KW_02)

3. Know the basic terminology and methodology used in research on animal behaviour (KW_10)

4. Analyse human behaviours from a biological, including evolutionary, perspective (KU_01)

5. Analyse, interpret and present, in oral and written form, the results of theoretical and empirical research (KU_04)

6. Use English-language textbooks as well as scientific and popular-science publications (KU_07)

7. Understand the need to continually expand their knowledge and improve their skills related to zoology and animal ethology (KK_04)

8. Follow the code of ethical principles of scientific work and common decency (KK_05)

9. Work in a team, planning, conducting experiments and observations and analysing the results (KK_06)

10. Be sensitive to the fate of animals, show concern for their safety and treat them in a humanitarian way, instructing others in this as well (KK_07, KK_08)

11. Use their deductive thinking skills in analyses of animal and human behaviours (KK_08)

The following will be assessed:

• Activity during discussions and involvement in the implementation of the exercises.

• Oral presentations of selected biological problems on the basis of scientific publications recommended by the teacher or self-selected source materials.

• Written and oral presentations of the results of the research conducted during the classes.

The grade will be issued as the average of the grades obtained during the classes.