Social Evolution

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methodologies:
- Lectures, using slides and videos;
- Research on several topics proposed, in order to deepen and consolidate the scientific knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to provide students with essential knowledge about the evolution of social behaviour, with particular emphasis on primates. The main factors that favour or constrain the sociality are explored; several studies and scenarios on the social evolution of our ancestors are presented, discussing the current researchstrategies on the reconstitution of our evolutionary past. This course also aims to provide important insights into human sexual behaviour and its evolution, and the conflicts within families and other groups. Finally, one case of great significance in human evolution is considered in detail: the evolution of intelligence.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Social behaviour

Evolutionary theory of animal sociality

Determinants of group size in primates

The Socio-ecological bases of primate societies

Socioecology

Reproductive systems in primates: sex distribution and patterns of association

Primate models of human social behaviour evolution

Primate models, social carnivores models, phylogenetic models and behavioural ecology models

Human sexual behaviour

Contemporary traditional or preindustrial societies

Sex and history

Physical comparisons between humans and other primates

Conflict within families and other groups

Parent-offspring interactions

Maternal-fetal conflict

Human sexual conflicts

The evolution of intelligence

Brain size in humans and other mammals

Origins of primate intelligence: environmental factors or social factors

Theory of mind

Consciousness, self-consciousness and manipulative behaviour in primates and humans.

Head Lecturer(s)

Rosa Sofia da Conceição Neto Wasterlain

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 25.0%
Exam: 75.0%

Bibliography

Alcock J. 2009. Animal behavior. An evolutionary approach. (9ª Edição). Sunderland MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc.

Boyd R, Silk JB. 2006. How humans evolved. (4ª Edição). New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Byrne R. 1995. The Thinking ape. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Cartwright J. 2008. Evolution and human behaviour. 2ª Edição. Londres: Macmillan Press.

Krebs JR, Davies NB. 1993. An introduction to behavioural ecology. (3ª Edição). Oxford: Blackwell Sci. Publishing.

Lewin R, Foley RA. 2005. Principles of Human Evolution. (2ª Edição). Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.