Behavioral ecology

Behavioral ecology approaches the study of behavior from an evolutionary perspective in order to examine its mechanisms, function, and contribution to evolutionary and ecological processes. Research conducted in behavioral ecology helps us understand other phenomena observed in other disciplines of biology, as all animals, from single-celled organisms to the most complex vertebrates, exhibit behavior.

The module exposes students to various basic concepts and the multitude of tools that can be used (observations and experiments in natural populations or on captive individuals, comparative analyses, use of modeling tools, ecophysiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, embedded electronics, etc.). Part of the training is based on specific discussions about the research approaches that can be used, the tools employed, and the limits of the inferences that can be made. Students will be asked to participate actively at these different levels, particularly through critical discussions of articles.

The topics covered range from exploring food supply strategies, partner selection, habitat choice, and investment in reproduction, to the study of animal communication and the reasons for living in groups. The historical dimension of the discipline is addressed in the introduction, but also according to the sensitivity of the speakers and the topics covered (meaning and relationships between 'Animal Behavior', 'Ethology', Behavioral Ecology, etc.).

Demonstrate the importance of ecological and evolutionary approaches in the study of animal behavior and provide students with the means to master the basic concepts and tools of behavioral ecology. Illustrate the importance of a behavioral ecology approach for understanding many ecological and evolutionary processes: in particular, the contributions of behavioral ecology to disciplines such as conservation biology, population dynamics, and the study of reproductive systems are illustrated and discussed. Illustrate the different facets of current work in behavioral ecology. Through the discussion of articles, students will also gain an overview of the scientific publication mechanism, the peer review process, and its advantages and limitations.

Have completed the modules in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior in L1, L2, L3, M1

100% final exam (a 3-hour written exam)