Syllabus
1. Behavioural ecology of fishes I.
2. Behavioural ecology of fishes II. Poecilia reticulata
3. Mating systems and parental care in reptiles
4. Reproductive systems and life-history in birds
5. Sociobiology of tropical birds
6. Social partnership, divorce and monogamy in birds
7. Polygyny in Agelaius phoeniceus
8. Female dominance, competition and mating systems in hyenas Crocuta crocuta, Hyaena hyaena, H.brunnea
9. Social systems of canids
10. Cooperation in wild dog Lycaon pictus
11. Social organisation of lions Panthera leo and other cats
12. Reproductive systems of ungulates I.
13. Reproductive systems of ungulates II.
14. Reproductive systems of rodents I. Muridae sensu lato: house mouse, Norway rat, wood mice, voles, gerbils, hamsters, etc
15. Reproductive systems of rodents II. Other rodent taxa
Annotation
Please note, the lectures are given in Czech language. English version of the course can be requested in advance if there are at least 3 students. History and basic ideas of sociobiology; genetics of behaviours; advantages od sociality, reciprocal altruism and co-operation; kin altruism, helpers, family; individual and kin recognition, origin of eusociality: Hymenoptera, termites, other insects, mammals; infanticide; parental conflict; siblicide; brood parasitism; communication, honest signals; territoriality and its consequences; mating systems - monogamy, polyandry, polygyny, lek, promiscuity, reproductive systems in insects, ungulates, rodents, carnivores; foraging and feeding behaviour; learning and evolution.
The lecture is supplemented by a three-day field trip to the zoo in Dvůr Králové nad Labem (financial participation of students required - entrance fee, travel and accommodation).