The goal of this course is to introduce students to the behavioral ecology and observational study of non-human great apes. Lectures and readings will provide an overview of the evolution, distribution, feeding ecology, social systems, behavior, conservation, and well-being of great apes. The comparative nature of course material will gradually increase throughout the semester and students will be asked to synthesize this material on exams. Additionally, students will complete a course-based independent research project on a topic of their choosing at the Saint Louis Zoo, via live video webcams, or by using great ape video archives. Students' grades will be based on participation during in-class activities, midterm syntheses of comparative great ape behavioral ecology, and the production of an original research poster.
Course Attributes: EN S; BU BA; AS SSC; FA SSC; AR SSC
