Warfare, communication, agriculture, and caring for family are phenomena that are typically attributed to human societies, but social insects do these same things. In this course, we will explore the weird and wonderful world of social insects to discover why sociality is the most successful animal strategy on the planet. We will learn about how conflict and selfishness have shaped the cooperative effort that characterizes these seemingly utopian communities, and why human survival depends on their ecosystem services. Using social insects as a lens for major themes in biology, we will discuss biodiversity, invasions, animal communication and cognition, self-organized systems and the evolution of biological oddities. The course will focus on discussion of classic literature, groundbreaking research, and topical writing for the sciences and general public. Group activities will also include excursions outdoors and a book club.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: BISC 201, BISC 202, or BISC 214 or permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Not Offered; Spring