Comparative Animal Physiology - How animals work and why they work the way they do
Course description
The famous evolutionary biologist Theodore Dobzhansky stated "Nothing in biology make sense except in the light of evolution". This is certainly true for physiology. In the discipline of comparative physiology we try to understand how animals work and why they work the way they do. The comparative approach, i.e. comparing how different animals solve physiological problems, give us information on how physiological mechanisms have evolved and made adaptation to widely different enviromnents and life styles possible. This gives a deeper understanding of physiological mechanisms, knowledge needed for management of domesticated animals as well as for understanding of the effects of challenges induced by enviromnental contaminations, global warming etc.
In this course the main focus will be on vertebrates even though we will include examples from invertebrates when appropriate for the understanding of specific physiological mechanisms. The course will consist of several themes including: energy metabolism, biochemical adaptation, respiration, circulatory system, osmoregulation, nervous system and sensory physiology, movement, living in extreme enviromnents ( e.g. living without oxygen, low temperature, etc).
Course facts
P000122, Comparative Animal Physiology - How animals work and why they work the way they do, 3.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: FUN, 2024-11-05
Valid from : First half-year 2025 (2025-01-01)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Biology
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
- Comparative aspects of aerobe and anaerobe metabolism, biochemical adaptation, e.g. adaptation to hypoxia/anoxia, temperature, anhydrobiosis, hibernation
- Living in air or water - what are the differences?
- Respiration, respiratory pigments, circulation, osmoregulation, execration, muscles and movement, nervous system and sensory physiology in different species with focus on vertebrates
- Scaling - the effects of body size
- To live in extreme environments, e.g. extreme temperatures, high elevation, large depths (high pressure), diving etc
Content
The course is carried out with lectures and seminars. The course is mainly given as campus teaching with the possibility of participation via zoom/video. Invited lecturers will in some cases lecture via Zoom. Lectures and seminars are held once a week every two weeks.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Approved written exam consisting of larger essay questions. Active participation in at least 75% of the seminars.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Animal Biosciences