Mammalian Social Behavior and Communication - Lecture 3.1

Explore mammalian social behavior and communication in this 48-minute lecture. Delve into the sociality spectrum, from solitary to eusocial species, and examine the benefits and costs of group living. Investigate how social behavior evolves through mutualistic and altruistic behaviors, understanding concepts like inclusive fitness and kin selection theory. Discover various sensory channels used for communication, including olfactory, auditory, visual, tactile, and electric field. Learn about the protection against predators, food acquisition strategies, minimizing kleptoparasitism, and the importance of social learning and culture in mammalian societies. Consider the challenges of intraspecific competition and disease spread within social groups. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics shaping mammalian social structures and communication methods.

Intro
The Sociality Spectrum
Eusociality
Benefits: Protection Against Predators
Benefits: Finding and Obtaining Food
Benefits: Minimizing Kleptoparasitism
Benefits: Social Learning and Culture
Costs: Intraspecific Competition for Resources
Costs: Spread of Parasites and Diseases
How Does Social Behavior Evolve?
Mutualistic Behaviors
Altruistic Behaviors???
Inclusive Fitness
Kin Selection Theory
Communication
Sensory Channels: Olfactory
Sensory Channels: Auditory
Sensory Channels: Visual
Sensory Channels: Tactile
Sensory Channels: Electric Field
References