Ecobiology

General objectives The course introduces to general knowledge and updated data regarding the variability of human and non-human primates, with reference to ecology and evolution. The student will be able to understand and evaluate the adaptive dynamics of examined taxa in the specific environmental contexts, in relation to the geographical distribution and in a diachronic perspective. Skills in critical analysis and presentation will be developed in presenting one or more case-studies at the level of gender, species or population. Specific objectives Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire knowledge on the variability of human and non-human primates, with focus on ecological aspects, including adaptive dynamics in relation to geographical distribution and specific environmental contexts, also in a diachronic and evolutionary perspective. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire skills to use methods of analysis and critical evaluation of biodiversity, in relation to geographical distribution, different environmental contexts and evolutionary history of the taxa considered. Making judgments: Through the documentation and analysis of one or more case studies, the student will develop critical and judgmental skills by comparing morphological, physiological, genetic, geographic and ecological sources of information. Communication skills: The student will acquire skills in synthesis and communication in public, being invited to present in the classroom the results of the analytical and critical study of one or more case-studies, and being stimulated to interact with colleagues and with the teacher. Learning skills: The student will acquire the proper language of evolutionary biology and ecological morphology, with reference to the variability of human and non-human primates, being able to deal autonomously with both the manuals and more specialized literature.