We will apply the framework of scientific questions, hypotheses, and predictions to understanding why animals do what they do. Here are some of the sorts of questions we will address:
Why do many animals appear to cooperate in warning each other about predators?
How do some individuals end up stuck rearing another species' offspring?
How do individuals learn what species they belong to, and how to communicate with other members of their species?
What cues do organisms use to identify their relatives?
How do foragers select which food to pursue?
How do differences in predation rate influence reproductive investment?
Why do males help rear offspring in some species but not in others?
Where are the interests of parents and offspring similar and where do they diverge?
What sorts of traits evolve as a result of competition for mates?
What are advantages and costs of foraging in groups versus foraging alone?
Feel free to contact me with any questions.