Wildlife Bio - Intro

WHAT IS PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY

  • Definition: Physiological ecology is the study of how and why animals are physiologically adapted in light of their natural environments and evolutionary histories.

  • Comparative Approach: The field examines rules and exceptions in physiological adaptations across species.

EXAMPLES IN PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY

  • Spadefoot Toads in the Desert:

    • Key Question: How do spadefoot toads survive in a desert environment?

    • Comparative Question: Why can some frogs live in deserts while others cannot?

TWO CENTRAL QUESTIONS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY

  1. Proximate/Mechanism:

    • Focus: How do modern-day animals carry out their physiological functions?

    • Example Questions:

      • What does the anatomy of the lantern organ look like?

      • What chemical reactions underlie bioluminescence?

      • How can the animal control the flash of light?

  2. Ultimate/Origin:

    • Focus: Why do modern-day animals possess the features that they do?

    • Example Questions:

      • Why do fireflies produce light?

      • Why do different species exhibit various flash patterns?

      • Why do some species produce blue light and others yellow light, or no light at all?

PRACTICE THINKING ABOUT PROXIMATE VS. ULTIMATE

  • Develop questions regarding the following systems:

    1. Fireflies flashing synchronously in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP)

    2. Ruffed grouse drumming to attract a mate

    3. Seasonal migration of wildebeest

    4. Sea turtles returning to their natal beach to lay eggs

MAIN SUBJECTS IN THE STUDY OF WILDLIFE BIOLOGY

  • Key Subjects to Consider:

    1. Animals

    2. Environment

    3. Evolutionary Processes

WHY ASPIRING WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS SHOULD CARE ABOUT PHYSIOLOGY

  • Scientific Curiosity: Understanding how biological systems work is fundamental to the field.

  • Management and Conservation of Species: Knowledge of physiology helps inform effective conservation strategies.

  • Human/Medical Applications: Insights from physiological ecology can contribute to medical knowledge and practices.

  • Monitoring Ecosystem Health: Understanding physiology aids in conservation physiology, which involves monitoring the health of ecosystems and the planet.