Department of Zoology, University of Otago, New Zealand

ZOOL313 students practice their presentation for their independent group research project.

Course Coordinator

Dr Mark Lokman

Course Lecturers

• Dr Alison Cree
• Dr Mark Lokman
• Assoc. Prof David Wharton

Recommended texts

This course is dependent on a collection of readings that are not covered by a single text. However, the most-consulted textbook would be: Willmer P, Stone G, Johnston I, 2000. Environmental physiology of animals . Blackwell Science, Ltd, Oxford (Close Reserve, Science Library)

Description

Environmental physiology embraces many disciplines of animal physiology and the effect of environmental variables on animal functions. This course will focus on the physiological and endocrine mechanisms that permit animals to survive in different environments. Topics covered include environmental influences on reproduction and growth; ways through which cells can communicate with one another, metamorphosis and stress; and survival of extreme environmental stress (cold tolerance and anhydrobiosis) and parasite physiology. The course draws examples from a wide variety of taxa to emphasise the principles that unify environmental and evolutionary physiology at all levels, from molecular to whole organism.

Course Objectives

To develop an understanding about the adaptations that have evolved in animals which enable them to survive, grow and reproduce in a wide variety of environments.