Behavioral Ecology is the study of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective. The course emphasizes the function of behavior and how it allows animals to adapt to the demands of their ecological and social environments. Topics will includes the role and mechanism of behaviors in foraging, predator-prey interactions, habitat selection and spacing, communication, aggregation, sexual selection, mating system, and parental care, and group living. The course also introduces methods for the observation and quantification of behavior in order to accomplish an independent study project.