Zoology
Dr Dennis O'Dowd
12 points * 10 hours per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: ZOO3011 or permission of the head of department
This subject consists of any two of four units. `Plant-animal interactions' reviews the scope of such interactions and describes approaches to their study, focusing primarily on terrestrial plants and animals. Basic classes of interactions covered include plant-herbivore relationships, plant-pollinator interactions, and seed predation and dispersal by animals. Implications of interactions are considered at the individual, population and community levels of organisation. `Animal behaviour' comprises two parts: one on neural mechanisms of behaviour and their development; the other on the ecological implications of animal behaviour regarding foraging, social organisation, and the evolution of mating systems. `Comparative animal physiology' covers the functional diversity of animals at the physiological and biochemical level, stressing adaptations covering the range from molecules to the whole organism. Topics include gas exchange, circulation, energy metabolism, osmoregulation, sensory physiology, and the influence of environmental photoperiod, temperature and pressure. `Community ecology' involves study of factors important in controlling local and biogeographic patterns of diversity. The unit considers patterns and processes within communities in relation to the development of ideas in community ecology, and integrates zoological and botanical concepts.
Assessment
Examinations (5 hours): 60% * Practical work/Projects: 40%
Prescribed texts
Krebs J R and Davies N B An introduction to behavioural ecology 3rd edn, Blackwell, 1993 (Animal behaviour only)