University Level Course Syllabi
PRIMATE BEHAVIOR (Anthro. 6557 & 4552--Upper Level)
Sue Boinski, University of Florida
PRIMATE BEHAVIOR (Anthro. 6557 & 4552--Upper Level)
Course instructor:
Sue Boinski
University of Florida
Department of Anthropology
1350 Turlington
Gainesville, FL 32611
USA
Email: boinski@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu
Tel: 1-904-392-4780
BACKGROUND:
In the four years this course has been taught, the class maximun
number of students has been 15. It is composed of half graduate
students (Anthropology, Zoology, Psychology and Physiology) who
need an introduction to primate behavioral ecology. The other half
are usually graduating seniors in Anthroplogy and Zoology who
have good training in their majors and have completed all class
required courses.
CLASS SYLLABUS
Anthropology 6557 & 4552
Spring 1995
Tuesday mornings, periods 2-4, 8:30-11:30 am
Classroom: 1321 Turlington
Office Hours: Monday and Thursday alternoons 3-4:30 pm and by
appointment in Turlington B366
Texts:
a) Smuts, B.B., et al., eds. 1987. Primate Societies. University of
Chicago Press. abbreviation: P S .
b) Krebs, J. R. & N. B. Davies, eds. 1991. Behavioral Ecology: an
Evolutionary Approach. Blackwell Scientific Publs. 3rd
Edition. abbreviation: B E .
c) Other readings will be placed on reserve in the Science Library and
can also be checked out from the Anthropology Department office in
1350 Turlington. Most of these readings can also be found in journals
in the Science Library or Library West.
Course work:
1. Class discussion is essential -- better to ask questions than to be
silent.
2. It is strongly advised that the assigned material be read in advance
of each class meeting. Final grades will reflect class preparation and
participation.
3. Behavior study project: 4-5 typewritten pages, including tables.
Details will be explained in class. Group projects are encouraged.
4. Term paper relating to primate behavior. At least 20 pages of text
are required. No more than five lines of text can be direct quotes. An
outline of the paper I will comment on drafts of term is required about
half-way though the semester. papers if they are given to me by 1 April
1995.
5. Two informal 5-10 minute presentations on assigned topics and a
formal 12-minute presentation based on the term paper.
6. One quiz on terms and concepts essential to an understanding of
primate behavior.
7. Graduate and undergraduate students will complete identical
assignments but will be graded separately.
Class Schedule and Required Readings. Note that additional readings
may be assigned and other changes made at the whim of the instructor.
January 10:
a. Class organization and introduction
b. Two slide shows: primate taxonomy and primate social organization
c. Start (if time permits) of lecture: Review of primate taxonomy and
basic concepts in primate behavior.
Assignments:
i) Each student will prepare a brief presentation (no more
than 5 min in duration) on the highlights and nifty features of a
primate taxonomic group that will be assigned.
ii) Start browsing texts and books on reserve in library for potential
term paper topics. Identify what parts of the course material
you might or might be familiar with already. Do not let the B E
text intimidate you.
January 17
a. Quick trip through a third slide show on primate conservation
b. Continuation of lecture on basic concepts of primatology
c. 5 min reports from students on primate taxa
January 24
Discussion of the following chapters:
a. Kinship, PS, pp.299-305
b. Conflict and Cooperation, PS, pp.306-3 17
c. Parental Investment, BE, pp.234-262
We will also discuss topics for term papers. Come to class with
well-pondered ideas.
January 31
IMPORTANT-DO NOT MISS this class! Read articles beforehand !
Lecture: Behavior sampling and observation
Discussion of:
a. Fragaszy et al. 1992. Behavior sampling in the field:
comparison of individual and group sampling methods.
American Journal of Primatology 26:259-275.
b. Altmann, J. 1974. Observational study of behaviour: sampling
methods. Behaviour 49:227-267.
February 7
Further discussion regarding behavior sampling, especially behavioral
repertoires
Discussion of chapters:
a. Life Histories in Comparative Perspective, PS, pp 181-196
b. The Evolution of Life Histories, BE, pp.32-65 (portions )
c. Food Distribution and Foraging Behavior, PS, pp.197-209
February 14
Discussion of:
a. Interactions among Primate Species, PS, pp. 210-226
b. Dispersal and Philopatry, PS, pp. 250-266
c. Interactions and Relationships between Groups, PS, pp. 267-281
February 21
Discussion of
a. Evolution of social structure, PS, pp. 282-296
b. Predation, P S, pp. 227-240
c . Mitchell et al. 1991. Competitive regimes and female bonding
in two species of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri oerstedi and S.
sciureus). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 25:55-60.
d. J.A.R.A.M. van Hoof and C. P. van Schaik. 1992. Cooperation in
competition: the ecology of primate bonds. In: COALITIONS AND ALLIANCES
IN HUMANS AND OTHER ANIMALS, ed. by Harcourt & de Waal.
February 28
a. Presentation (5 min each) of behavior projects.
b. Reports of behavior projects due.
c. Social Behavior in Evolutionary Perspective, PS, pp. 318-329
d. Mating systems, B E, pp. 263-299.
March 7 - Spring Break - Work on term papers !
March 14
The outline and the core citation list of the term paper
are due.
The Ontogeny and Differentiation of Behavior
a. Infants, Mothers, and Other Females, pp.330-343
b. Infants and Adult Males, 343-357
c. Transition to Adulthood, pp.358-369
d. Boinski & Fragaszy. 1989. The ontogeny of foraging in squirrel
monkeys. Animal Behaviour 37:415-428.
March 28 This week's topic is open. We will discuss our options.
Perhaps we should divide up the material assigned for Sexual
Behavior on April 4. QUIZ
April 4 Sexual Behavior
a. Patterning of Sexual Activity, PS, pp. 370-384
b. Sexual Competition and Mate Choice, PS, pp. 385--399
c. Gender, Aggression, and Influence, PS, pp. 400-412
d. Sexual Selection, B E, pp. 203-233.
Declaration of final title of each student's presentation based on term
paper. Date and time of each student' s presentation will be
determined.
Friday, April 7 - Last day that drafts of term papers can be submitted
for comment. Deadline is noon in either 1350 or B366 Turlington.
April 11 The Captive Environment: Implications for Research and
Environmental Enrichment - Readings to be determined.
April 18 and 25 Student presentations and discussion thereof.
The format of these sessions is based on that typical of professional
meetings, a 12 minute-long oral presentation followed by a three minute
long period for questions and comments. Refreshments will be served
during intermissions and the public will be invited.
Friday, April 28
TERM PAPERS MUST BE SUBMITTED by noon either in 1350 or B366
Turlington. NO term papers will be accepted after this deadline (This
is for your own good.). Please note that brownie points will be awarded
generously for early submission of term papers.
Particularly pertinent journals for this course:
Animal Behaviour
American Journal of Primatology
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
Behaviour
Ethology
Folia Primatologica
Reserve Materials: The following texts have been placed on reserve (2
hr/overnight) at the Science Library. As a courtesy to other students
in this class, please to do not monopolize primate texts that are not
on reserve.
In any case, initiate and complete research for the term paper early!
1. QL737.P9 N322 NAPIER, JR
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PRIMATES
2. QL737.P9 J64 1985 JOLLY, A
EVOLUTION OF PRIMATE BEHAVIOR
3. QL737.P9 C577 VOLS. 1, 2A,2B,3,4 SWINDLER ET AL.
COMPARATIVE PRIMATE BIOLOGY
4. QL737.P9 W64 1988 WOLFHEIM, J
PRIMATES OF THE WORLD: DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE AND CONSERVATION
5. 412.3 P952 CLUTTON-BROCK, TH
PRIMATE ECOLOGY: STUDES OF FEEDING AND RANGING BEHAVIOUR
6. QL737.P9 P674 HINDE
PRIMATE SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
7. QL737.P9 H245 HARAWAY, DJ
PRIMATE VISIONS: GENDER, RACE, AND NATURE IN THE WORLD OF MODERN SCENCE
8. QL 737.P9 R54 RICHARD,AF
PRIMATES IN NATURE
9. QL737.P9 A35 1984 CANT, J ET AL.
ADAPTATIONS FOR FORAGING IN NONHUMAN PRIMATES
10. QL737.P9 M54 MITCHELL, G
BEHAVIORAL SEX DIFFERENCES IN NONHUMAN PRIMATES
11. QL737.P9 U78 1992 HARCOURT & DE WAAL
COALITIONS AND ALLIANCES IN HUMANS AND OTHER ANIMALS
12. QL737.P9 E26 1988 FA
ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF FOOD-ENHANCED PRIMATE GROUPS
13. QL737.P9 F39 1984 SMALL
FEMALE PRIMATES: STUDIES BY WOMEN PRIMATOLOGISTS
14. QL737.P93 C44 1990 CHENEY AND SEYFARTH
HOW MONKEYS SEE THE WORLD: INSIDE THE MIND OF ANOTHER SPECES
15. QL737.P9 J88 1993 PEREIRA & FAIRBANKS
JUVENILE PRIMATES: LIFE HISTORY, DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR
16. QL737.P9 W28 1989 DE WAAL
PEACEMAKING AMONG PRIMATES
17. QL737.P9 B744 1984 BOX,HO
PRIMATE BEHAVIOUR AND SOCIAL ECOLOGY
18. QL737.F35 1982 FEDIGAN, L
PRIMATE PARADIGMS
19. QL758.5 P77 1993 MENDOZA AND MASON
PRIMATE SOCIAL CONFLICT
20. QL737.P9 P73 1990 BOX,HO
PRIMATE RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
21. (WEST) QL737.P9 M32 1990 MARTIN, RD
PRIMATE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION
Primate Behavior: Program of Presentations
Turlington Rm 1321
Students, faculty, and friends are cordially invited to attend all or
portions of the two sesssions of presentations by students in the
Spring 1995 Primate Behavior seminar. The format of these sessions is
based on those typical of professional meetings, a twelve minute-long
oral presentation followed by a three minute-long period for
questions and comments. Note that each session includes a break during
which refreshments will be served. Please come!
Tuesday, April 18th
8:45 - 9:00 Sophia Balcomb
What good are males anyway? Uni-male versus multi-male groups
9:00- 9:15 Susan Moegenberg
Play behavior in primates and other animals
9:15 - 9:30 Kathy Summers
Female mate choice in primates: an evaluation of the good genes
hypothesis
9:30 - 9:45 Jennifer Wheeler
Weaning: factors underlying temporal variation in patterns
9:45-10:00 Refreshment Break
10:00 - 10:15 Tom Matthews
The ecology of polyspecific associations
10:15 - 10:30 David Killane
Primate dispersal: proximate and ultimate causes
10:30 - 10:45 Beth Hazel
Molecular phylogenies of primates
Tuesday, April 25th
8:45 - 9:00 Eric Jacobs
Operant models of group formation
9:00- 9:15 Cynthia Pietras
Conflict and cooperation: integrating field and lab analyses
9:15 - 9:30 Heather Walsh-Haney
Does tool use predict intellectual complexity?
9:30 - 9:45 Lisa Marriner
Behavioral and physiological correlates of Stress
9:45-10:00 Refreshment Break
10:00 - 10:15 Chris Hess
You got to stop and smell the primates
10:15 - 10:30 Marcy Berlow
Mother-infant relationships: costs and benefits
10:30 - 10:45 Michael McGinnes
Primate behavior and locomotion
