Primate Field Biology

Catalog description

Survey of field methods used to document primate behavior. Laboratory includes observations of free-ranging and captive primates at the Duke Lemur Center. Techniques covered include scan, focal animal and all occurrences sampling. Focus on the scientific process, including data analysis and writing of formal research papers. Graduate students will create their own research questions and may use projects as pilots for their thesis research. This course is paired with Evolutionary Anthropology 344L. Recommended prerequisite: previous coursework in evolution, animal behavior and/or ecology.