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BIO313Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Animal Ecology

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of animal ecology. It explores the historical development of the field, basic ecological concepts, and the interactions between animals within their environments. Topics include population dynamics, competition, predator-prey relationships, and the ecology of aquatic and terrestrial animals. The course also covers life tables, K-factor analysis, and behavioral ecology, providing a comprehensive understanding of animal-environment interactions.

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65h

Study Time

13

Weeks

5h

Per Week

intermediate

Math Level

Course Keywords

Animal EcologyPopulation DynamicsPredator-PreyBehavioral EcologyEcosystem Interactions

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📊

Math Level

Moderate Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Historical Background of Animal Ecology

2

Fundamentals of Ecology

3

Interactions in Animals

4

Ecology of Aquatic and Terrestrial Animals

5

Animal Population Dynamics

6

Predator-Prey Relationships

7

Life Tables and K-Factor Analysis

8

Behavioral Ecology

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (4 methods)

in-text questions

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

self-assessment exercises

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Wildlife Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservation Ecologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Zoologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Ecological Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ConservationWildlife ManagementEcological ConsultingResearch InstitutionsGovernment Agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction to Animal Ecology

5h

Unit 1: Historical Background of Animal Ecology

5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Historical Background of Animal Ecology
•Understand the contributions of scientists to the development of animal ecology
•Review the key concepts and definitions related to the history of ecology

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction to Animal Ecology

5h

Unit 2: Fundamentals of Ecology

5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Fundamentals of Ecology
•Explain the basic fundamentals of ecology and its components
•Understand the various relationships influencing the ecological community

Week

3

Module 1: Introduction to Animal Ecology

5h

Unit 3: Interactions in Animals

5 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Interactions in Animals
•Explain the different types of interaction in animals
•Analyze the relationships influencing the ecological community

Week

4

Module 1: Introduction to Animal Ecology

5h

Unit 4: Ecology of Aquatic Animals

5 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Ecology of Aquatic Animals
•Explain the ecology of different fish species
•Study the biology and ecology of Clupeidae, Carangidae, and other aquatic species

Week

5

Module 1: Introduction to Animal Ecology

5h

Unit 5: Ecology of Terrestrial Animals

5 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Ecology of Terrestrial Animals
•Explain the ecology of different terrestrial species
•Study the biology and ecology of Lions, Dogs, Monkeys and other terrestrial species

Week

6

Module 2: Ecology of Animal Population

5h

Unit 1: Growth rate and Age structure of animal population

5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Growth rate and Age structure of animal population
•Explain the term population growth, age distribution and population size
•Describe the growth pattern in animal population

Week

7

Module 2: Ecology of Animal Population

5h

Unit 2: Factors affecting Animal Population

5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Factors affecting Animal Population
•State and explain the different factors affecting animal population
•Understand the impact of birth rate, death rate, and migration on population size

Week

8

Module 2: Ecology of Animal Population

5h

Unit 3: Measurement of Population dynamics

5 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Measurement of Population dynamics
•Explain the measurement of population dynamics and the survival ship curve
•Learn about dynamic life tables and survivorship curves

Week

9

Module 2: Ecology of Animal Population

5h

Unit 4: Life tables and K-values

5 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Life tables and K-values
•Explain with examples the different type of life tables and life expectancy in hypothetical population
•Understand the use of life tables in ecological studies

Week

10

Module 2: Ecology of Animal Population

5h

Unit 5: Key-Factor Analysis

5 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Key-Factor Analysis
•Explain with examples the different type of Factor Analysis and criteria for determining of number of factors
•Understand the application of key-factor analysis in population studies

Week

11

Module 3: Population Cycle in Animal Ecology

10h

Unit 1: Competition in Animal Ecology

5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Competition in Animal Ecology
•Define competition and list factors/resources that contribute to competition among organisms
•Explain evolution strategies and state the formula selection theory

Unit 2: Population Cycle

5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Population Cycle
•Define population cycle and List factors that causes or contribute to population cycle
•Understand the dynamics of population cycles in different species

Week

12

Module 3: Population Cycle in Animal Ecology

10h

Unit 3: Population Cycles in a Predator-Prey System

5 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Population Cycles in a Predator-Prey System
•Explain Population cycles in animal and predator-prey interaction using Lotka-Volterra models with Vole-fox system
•Analyze the predator-prey dynamics and their impact on population cycles

Unit 4: Ecology of African Bat

5 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Ecology of African Bat
•Explain the classification and evolution of bat and its general characteristics
•Study the unique ecological role of bats in African ecosystems

Week

13

Module 3: Population Cycle in Animal Ecology

5h

Unit 5: Behavioural Ecology

5 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Behavioural Ecology
•Understand behavioural ecology and the importance of the Tinbergen's Four Questions
•Explain optimization theory and evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS)

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review historical background and key scientists in Unit 1 to understand the evolution of animal ecology.

2

Create concept maps linking Units 2-3 to illustrate relationships between ecological components and animal interactions.

3

Practice calculating population growth rates and interpreting life tables from Units 7-9 weekly.

4

Focus on understanding the Lotka-Volterra model and its applications in predator-prey dynamics (Unit 15).

5

Relate behavioral ecology concepts (Unit 16) to real-world examples of animal behavior and adaptation.

6

Review all TMAs and self-assessment questions to identify areas needing further study.

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