BIOL 5510

Cultural Evolution

Lec 01 selected

Culture is socially learned and group specific information or behaviour. This course explores the nature of culture across the animal kingdom, how it evolves, as well as it's relationship to ecology, genetic evolution and conservation.

Sections

Lecture

From the syllabus

From the Fall 2026 syllabus by Hal Whitehead. Open the PDF

Grading

15%Discussion participationTwo missed classes allowed
15%Introduce discussion paperEach student introduces one paper
15%Quizzes on discussion papersOne-question quiz at the beginning of each class; two missed quizzes allowed
25%Give class
15%In-class essay #1Nov 16
15%Exam period essay #2Dec 11–20

Course rules

Missed work
Use the Student Declaration of Absence form when appropriate; requirements and grades may be adjusted for medical or related absences.
Individual work
Complete all in-class work individually; outside class, students may discuss issues and use Internet or library resources, including AI.
Essay conditions
During essays, students cannot access the reading, other literature, or the Internet; detailed citations are not expected.

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