Primate Behavioral Biology

Primate Behavior and Biology

Faculty: Dr. Linda Winkler – University of Pittsburgh

Grading: The course is divided into two components:

1) Field techniques for studying primates and

2) Knowledge of primate behavior, research design and

data analysis

Field techniques: This part of the course involves daily field exercises and rotations taught by faculty or staff on data collecting techniques, methods and procedures used under actual field conditions. Participation is mandatory. Instruction and experience in the following field techniques is included:

a. methods of collecting behavior on non-human

primates (free-ranging in their natural habitat)

b. establishing demographic profiles of monkey groups

c. methods of vegetation sampling and establishing

plant diversity

d. methods of habitat description

e. mapping a field site

Grading for the field techniques will be based on:

Participation and completion of field exercises: 25%

Mastery of techniques during field technique rotations: 15%

Score on exam given on field techniques: 25%

Cooperation and ability to work with others: 10%

Mid-term exam: 25%

2) Lecture component, research design, and data analysis:

This component will be based on your participation in the

lecture portion of the course, developing and writing a

research proposal, collecting data for this research proposal on site, analyzing the results of the research proposal for a final report and an oral presentation to the class.

Grading for the lecture-research component will be based on:

Research article presentation: 10%

Writing the research proposal: 25%

Collecting data (doing the research): 25%

Project: 20%

Report: 20%

Attendance at all lectures, presentations, field rotations, and discussions is required.

Assignments

Field techniques (during the first 13 days of the course)

We will divide up into groups for the field rotations. Each group will spend two days learning about and working on 1) mapping and marking the trail system, 2) vegetation sampling and analysis, 3) habitat description, and 4) behavioral and demographic observations of the monkeys. You will be given exercises to do, plus we will be doing exercises in the Paterson Primate Behavior workbook.

Lecture/Research Design (throughout the course)

There will be lectures or presentations scheduled every day from 4-5:30 PM, except the day of the midterm (June 7). We will also meet after supper every day to discuss our daily adventures, research projects, etc.

Lecture topics and readings include:

May 25-26	Introduction to primates (Primates in Nature pp. 1-39)
May 27-28	What is a primate? (Primates in Nature pp. 40-123)
May 29-30	What do primates look like (inside and out)? (Primates in Nature pp. 206-230)
May 31	Primate diets (Primates in Nature pp. 125-205)
June 1	Life history and demography (Primates in Nature pp. 233-288)
June 2-3	Primate social organization (Primates in Nature pp. 290-341)
June 4	Primate adaptations (Primates in Nature pp 342-379)
June 5	Proposals due for research project. Review
June 6	Exam, Begin projects
June 7	Primates and plants (Primates in Nature pp. 427-463)
June 8	A look at local monkey species
June 9	Parasites
June 10	*(Call your airline to reconfirm seat.)*
June 10-14	Presentations from faculty (DNA analysis, etc.) Student will be doing independent research projects.
June 15	Each student must hand in their completed research report by 6:00 PM. See below for description of what must be included.
June 16	Oral presentations of research reports beginning at 8:00 am (see below). Pack and prepare to leave (very sad )
June 17-18	Good-bye wonderful jungle and monkeys. Good-bye Ometepe. Off to see more of Nicaragua before heading home..

Research projects and reports

The thought of doing a research project can seem very overwhelming. However, we will help you develop your ideas and the project while you are in the course. Some of you already have ideas about what you want to do, and all of you will think of many more once you are there.

Your research proposal (Due June 5 – we will have a party after they are all in) should include:

OBJECTIVES AND SIGNIFICANCE (What do you want to accomplish and what

is its significance?)

BACKGROUND (What types of research have other people done?)

RESEARCH QUESTIONS (HYPOTHESES) (What specific questions or

hypotheses are you going to test?)

METHODS (Identify the specific data collection techniques, which you are

going to use.)

SUMMARY

In addition, you should include descriptions and detailed definitions of the behavioral, biological variables, which you will be studying in your proposal. This can be put in an appendix, figure, or table.

Research projects have to be approved by me before you begin your project.

The research reports (Due June 15) should include:

ABSTRACT (Summary)

INTRODUCTION (brief background and indicating research question)

METHODS (be concise and give detail)

RESULTS (present your data)

DISCUSSION (talk about your results in comparison to other research and issues)

CONCLUSIONS (list at least four conclusions)

REFERENCES, TABLES, FIGURES

We have a small library at Ometepe and you are welcome to use the reprints and books there for your projects and reports.

Oral Presentations

We will begin oral presentations at 8:00 am. Each student will have 15 minutes for presentation of their research results and 5 minutes for discussion. You can use note cards or an outline to help you.

Field trips

The class will do at least one day trip on Ometepe during the course. The previous classes have chosen to hike to the crater lake at the top of the Volcano Maderas. In addition, we will spend the last two days in the area around Granada, seeing some of southern Nicaragua. Granada is a beautiful Spanish colonial city founded by the conquistadors in 1524. It is a short ride from there to Masaya where we can see (and buy) hammocks being made and visit the large craft market.