Brain Evolution and Function

Catalog description

Over 500 million years ago, animals were already walking around, burrowing, and displaying signs of learning and memory. How have brains evolved since then to control the diverse behaviors displayed by animals when escaping predators, courting mates, and interacting socially? In this course we will discuss the origins of brains and how they have adapted to various selective pressures. Through comparisons of animals in different ecological niches, we will also explore how brains function during natural behaviors. Classes will alternate between illustrative lectures and student-led discussions of scientific publications. Students will also report on current studies in the field of evolutionary neuroethology through written exercises. This course satisfies a breadth requirement in population biology and ecology for the BA and BS in Biology or an elective requirement for the Neuroscience BS. Prereq: Undergraduate student and BIOL 216 .