Behavior and Evolution

The subject should provide an understanding of how behavior has developed through evolution, and how this contributes to species diversity and adaptation. Through theoretical approaches, students will gain knowledge of basic principles in behavioral ecology and evolutionary theory. A thorough introduction to central behavioral ecology principles such as fitness, natural and sexual selection, instinct and learning, communication, group behavior and helping behavior is provided. Furthermore, an introduction to both micro- and macroevolution is given. Central here is an understanding of how the four forces of evolution, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow and mutations create genetic changes in populations as the basis for evolution.