ECO-PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

The course proposes the study of environmental factors that determine variations in the physiology of animal organisms (such as oxygen, water, depth, temperature); basic mechanisms of adaptation to environmental variations: biological membranes and osmoregulation phenomena; respiratory pigments and different ventilation mechanisms; effects of temperature: adaptations to low temperatures, migrations, present oceans, particular habitats, greenhouse effect; anthropogenic problems. The sense of smell, sight, functions and plasticity of the brain in relation to the evolution in different living organism.

The course of physiology is held through frontal teaching

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Knowledge of all basic notions of physiology is useful.

A comparative understanding of the mechanisms of environmental animal’s physiology; in particular we want to look in turn as ionic, osmotic issues, energy balance, circulating fluids, nerves, hormones. Cell membrane permeation and process for water diffusion, osmosis and channel movements for osmotic regulation, in different habitat; Oxygen carriage: pigments and their types and properties; different respiratory surfaces, haemolymph and blood vessel colloid osmotic pressure. Circulation and ventilation; The temperature and its effects: thermal acclimatation, behavioural regulation, migration; Anthropogenic problems. Olfacotory system, vision and CNS evolution and plasticity.

We recommend using the English version of texts as Environmental physiology ( a cura di Fregly MJ e Blatteis CM) – Oxford Univ. Press 1996or other English text.

The exams are carried out through an oral interwiew on topic included in the program and explained in class.
Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.