Insect Behavior

Catalog description

Insects are one of the most ecologically successful and diverse taxonomic groups on the planet, and their success is attributed to the amazing range and complexity of the behaviors they exhibit. This course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts and processes in the study of animal behavior, with an emphasis on insect examples, insect diversity and a theoretical and empirical overview of insect behavior. The course is structured around four complementary categories to study behavior based on their development, adaptive value, function, and evolution. Students will learn how scientists study insect behavior, why insects behave the way they do, what functions these behaviors serve, and how behavior is shaped by the evolutionary forces of natural and sexual selection.