fundamentals Flashcards
oxygen in atmosphere
21% at all locations in the atmosphere
proximate
the purpose of a function for example lightning bugs light up to find a mate
ultimate
why does a function occur for example there is a chemical reaction in the lighting bugs causing them to light up
Objectives of animal physiology
Describe the diverse ways in which
different animals meet their functional
requirements
* Elucidate evolutionary relationships by
comparing physiological characteristics
* Provide a physiological basis for ecology
* Find organisms particularly suitable for
demonstrating specific functions
* Lead to broad biological generalization
natural selection
variants of one trait exist that best suit the organism to its environment
requires: variation, heritability, fitness differences, differential reproductive success
Adaptation
a trait that increases an organisms
fitness and is the result of natural selection
Acclimatization
– Non-genetic changes in
physiology occurring during the lifetime of an
individual in response to a natural environment
Acclimation
same as acclimatization but with
reference to experimental manipulation
acute changes
short-term and reversible
Chronic changes
long-term and reversible
evolutionary changes
genetic changes
developmental changes
changes in the individual such as maturation
Changes controlled by a periodic biological clock
changes in the physiology of an animal repeating patterns controlled by a biological clock
Homeostasis
The tendency of
organisms to
regulate and
maintain a relatively
stable internal
environment in face
of a variable
external
environment
Feedback regulation
mechanism of maintaining homeostasis; sensory information about a variable controls cell processes, tissues and organs influence internal levels of that variable
