Principles of animal communication-w 1400-238KZ-w
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).
Main fields of studies for MISMaP
biology
Type of course
elective courses
Course coordinators
Mode
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
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Term 2025L:
None |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: