Principles of animal communication 1400-238KZ
The lecture in the first half of the semester covers the following topics:
1. What is communication; cues and signals; signal evolution; signal classifications; cost and honesty of signals
2. Signal evolution, signal precursors
3. Sound signals; production of sound signals; propagation and reception of sound signals; body size and sound signals
4. Vocalization in birds with an innate repertoire and in birds that need to learn their songs; anatomical and neural differences in these groups; similarities and differences compared to human language
5. Visual signals; production and modification of visual signals; transmission of visual signals in the environment; reception of visual signal
6. Chemical signals; types of chemicals used by animals for communications; production, durability and spread of chemical signals; chemoreception; Other types of signals used by animals (touch signals, electrical signals)
7. Signals produced in conflict situations and threats; strategies for resolving conflicts at a distance; signaling aggression, domination, de-escalation; alarm and deterrent signals
8. Signals produced between partners and between parents and offspring; strategies and signals produced during courtship; signals strengthening male-female integration; signals in within-family groups
9. Communication networks; eavesdropping and unreliable signaling; transmitting information in larger social groups; vocalisation in duets
10. Propagation of signals in the environment; degradation of frequency, amplitude, directivity; acoustic niches
Depending on the given year, the classes will take the form of a lecture combined with exercises or a lecture only (updated information in the COMMENTS for a given year).
Type of course
elective courses
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
1. Has knowledge of the ways, forms and functions of communication between individuals in the animal world (K_W08)
2. Knows and understands the interrelationships between the habitat and the diversity and complexity of the signals generated (K_W09)
3. Has knowledge about the evolution of voices and communication strategies of birds in various aspects of life (K_W08, K_W11)
4. Is able to define and distinguish what is proper communication, signal and cues (K_W12)
5. Knows the basic methods and techniques for conducting bioacoustic research (K_W15)
Abilities:
1. Reads and understands scientific texts in a foreign language and communicates in a foreign language at B2 level (K_U02)
2. Is able to analyze the results obtained and discuss them based on the available literature (K_U03)
Social abilities:
1. Expands interest in natural sciences (behavioral ecology) (K_K01)
2. Feels the need for continuous training and updating knowledge on topics related to animal behavioral ecology (K_K04)
3. Demonstrates the ability to work in a group, taking on different roles in it (K_K07)
Critically analyzes the information appearing in the mass media and scientific literature (K_K08)
Assessment criteria
Lecture
- written exam (test and descriptive exam, min. 50% + 1 points)
Bibliography
• Bradbury J.W., Vehrencamp S.L. 2011. Principles of animal communication. Sinauer Associates, USA.
• Catchpole C.K., Slater P.J.B. 2008. Bird song: biological temes and variations. Cambridge University Press, UK.
• Gill F.B., Prum R.O., Robinson S.K. 2019. Ornithology. W. H. Freeman, USA.
• Nicholas B. Davies, John R. Krebs, Stuart A. West 2012. An introduction to behavioural ecology. Wiley-Blackwell, USA.
Notes
|
Term 2024L:
This year, the course will be carried out during 10 consecutive weeks and two field trips (45 hours in total, 3 ECTS). Classes in the classroom will include 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of exercises (30 hours in total). Field exercises will take place on two selected Saturdays (15 hours in total). The date and place of classes will be agreed upon during the first class of the course. A field trip is not planned this year. |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: