Biology 336X — Ecological and Evolutionary Animal Physiology
Fall, 2007—T&TH 11-12:15
This comparative physiology course is
intended primarily for life science majors at
the sophomore-senior level who have
already completed at least the first year of
the introductory biology series (Biol
211/212). We will focus on the study of
mechanisms by which animals perform lifesustaining functions, the evolution and
adaptive significance of physiological traits, the diversity of physiological
mechanisms, and how physiology and ecology interact. Most of the emphasis will be on
vertebrates, but some invertebrate examples will also be discussed. This course will be of interest
to anyone who is curious about how animals work and why they evolved to work that way.
The course objectives are:
1. To understand the diversity of physiological mechanisms that permit life in environments
ranging from hot and cold deserts to the wet tropics and from terrestrial to marine and
freshwater environments.
2. To understand the importance of integrating physiology with ecology, evolution, behavior, and
cell and molecular biology in order to understand life.
3. To learn how to read primary scientific literature, evaluate data, and critically discuss current
topics in physiology.
Major topics include energetics, thermoregulation, nutrition, aerobic and anaerobic metabolism,
locomotion and costs of transport, gas exchange in air and water, water and salt balance,
ecological immunology, development, reproduction and aging,
In addition to lectures and in-class discussion, each student will lead a discussion of a current
article in comparative physiology. All students will write 5-6 short essays about these
articles, following a template provided by the instructor.
Course evaluation is by exams, attendance and participation, presentation evaluation and written
assignments.