Comparative Primate Socioecology

3 units

This course focuses on the interface between the behavior and ecology of non-human primates and its applications to primate conservation. We will examine how the basic principles of animal ecology can help us understand primate behavior. We will look at a wide range of primates from a comparative perspective as we explore primate habitats, diets, life histories and communities, social relationships, and much more. Because most primate species are threatened, endangered, or even facing extinction, we will also focus on how various aspects of ecology are used in the conservation of primates. We will draw heavily on field studies and particular research projects of primates and emphasize their behavior in natural environmental and social settings. The objectives of the course are: 1) to gain an understanding of principles of animal behavior by using primates as a model, 2) to understand variation in behavior and how ecology influences this variation in living primates, 3) to use the comparative approach to better understand why primate societies differ, 4) To understand how we address and answer questions about primate behavior through field research