J. Eduardo P. W. Bicudo, William A. Buttemer, Mark A. Chappell, James T. Pearson, and Claus Bech
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199228447
- eISBN:
- 9780191711305
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228447.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ornithology
This book focuses on the current understanding of a set of topics in ecological and environmental physiology that are of particular interest to ornithologists, but which also have broad biological ...
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This book focuses on the current understanding of a set of topics in ecological and environmental physiology that are of particular interest to ornithologists, but which also have broad biological relevance. The introductory chapter covers the basic body plan of birds and their still-enigmatic evolutionary history. The focus then shifts to a consideration of the essential components of that most fundamental of avian attributes: the ability to fly. The emphasis is on feather evolution and development, flight energetics and aerodynamics, migration, and as a counterpoint, the curious secondary evolution of flightlessness that has occurred in several lineages. This sets the stage for subsequent chapters, which present specific physiological topics within a strongly ecological and environmental framework. Chapter 2 covers gas exchange and thermal and osmotic balance, together with the central role of body size. Chapter 3 addresses ‘classical’ life history parameters — male and female reproductive costs, parental care and investment in offspring, and fecundity versus longevity tradeoffs — from an eco-physiological perspective. Chapter 4 offers a comprehensive analysis of feeding and digestive physiology, adaptations to challenging environments (high altitude, deserts, marine habitats, cold), developmental adaptations, and neural specializations (notably those important in foraging, long-distance navigation, and song production). Throughout the book, classical studies are integrated with the latest research findings. Numerous important and intriguing questions await further work, and the book concludes with a discussion of research methods and approaches — emphasizing cutting-edge technology — and a final chapter on future directions that should help point the way forward for both young and senior scientists.Less
This book focuses on the current understanding of a set of topics in ecological and environmental physiology that are of particular interest to ornithologists, but which also have broad biological relevance. The introductory chapter covers the basic body plan of birds and their still-enigmatic evolutionary history. The focus then shifts to a consideration of the essential components of that most fundamental of avian attributes: the ability to fly. The emphasis is on feather evolution and development, flight energetics and aerodynamics, migration, and as a counterpoint, the curious secondary evolution of flightlessness that has occurred in several lineages. This sets the stage for subsequent chapters, which present specific physiological topics within a strongly ecological and environmental framework. Chapter 2 covers gas exchange and thermal and osmotic balance, together with the central role of body size. Chapter 3 addresses ‘classical’ life history parameters — male and female reproductive costs, parental care and investment in offspring, and fecundity versus longevity tradeoffs — from an eco-physiological perspective. Chapter 4 offers a comprehensive analysis of feeding and digestive physiology, adaptations to challenging environments (high altitude, deserts, marine habitats, cold), developmental adaptations, and neural specializations (notably those important in foraging, long-distance navigation, and song production). Throughout the book, classical studies are integrated with the latest research findings. Numerous important and intriguing questions await further work, and the book concludes with a discussion of research methods and approaches — emphasizing cutting-edge technology — and a final chapter on future directions that should help point the way forward for both young and senior scientists.
Steven L. Chown and Sue Nicolson
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198515494
- eISBN:
- 9780191705649
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198515494.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This book provides a modern, synthetic overview of interactions between insects and their environments from a physiological perspective that integrates information across a range of approaches and ...
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This book provides a modern, synthetic overview of interactions between insects and their environments from a physiological perspective that integrates information across a range of approaches and scales. It shows that evolved physiological responses at the individual level are translated into coherent physiological and ecological patterns at larger, even global scales. This is done by examining in detail the ways in which insects obtain resources from the environment, process these resources in various ways, and turn the results into energy which allows them to regulate their internal environment as well as cope with environmental extremes of temperature and water availability. The book demonstrates that physiological responses are not only characterized by substantial temporal variation, but also show coherent variation across several spatial scales. At the largest, global scale, there appears to be substantial variation associated with the hemisphere in which insects are found. Such variation has profound implications for patterns of biodiversity as well as responses to climate change, and these implications are explicitly discussed. The book provides a novel integration of the understanding gained from broad-scale field studies of many species and the more narrowly focused laboratory investigations of model organisms. In so doing, it reflects the growing realization that an integration of mechanistic and large-scale comparative physiology can result in unexpected insights into the diversity of insects.Less
This book provides a modern, synthetic overview of interactions between insects and their environments from a physiological perspective that integrates information across a range of approaches and scales. It shows that evolved physiological responses at the individual level are translated into coherent physiological and ecological patterns at larger, even global scales. This is done by examining in detail the ways in which insects obtain resources from the environment, process these resources in various ways, and turn the results into energy which allows them to regulate their internal environment as well as cope with environmental extremes of temperature and water availability. The book demonstrates that physiological responses are not only characterized by substantial temporal variation, but also show coherent variation across several spatial scales. At the largest, global scale, there appears to be substantial variation associated with the hemisphere in which insects are found. Such variation has profound implications for patterns of biodiversity as well as responses to climate change, and these implications are explicitly discussed. The book provides a novel integration of the understanding gained from broad-scale field studies of many species and the more narrowly focused laboratory investigations of model organisms. In so doing, it reflects the growing realization that an integration of mechanistic and large-scale comparative physiology can result in unexpected insights into the diversity of insects.
Michael J. Angilletta Jr.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198570875
- eISBN:
- 9780191718748
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570875.001.1
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
Temperature pervasively impacts the phenotypes and distributions of organisms. These thermal effects generate strong selective pressures on behaviour, physiology, and life history when environmental ...
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Temperature pervasively impacts the phenotypes and distributions of organisms. These thermal effects generate strong selective pressures on behaviour, physiology, and life history when environmental temperatures vary over space and time. Despite this fact, progress toward a quantitative theory of thermal adaptation has lagged behind empirical descriptions of patterns and processes. This book draws on current evolutionary paradigms (optimization, quantitative genetics, and genetic algorithms) to establish a theory of thermal adaptation. It initially focuses on simple models that describe the evolution of thermosensitivity, thermoregulation, or acclimation. Later chapters focus on more complex models describing the coadaptation of traits or the coevolution of species. Throughout the book, various lines of evidence are used to question the major assumptions of these models. Furthermore, the predictions of these models are confronted with experimental and comparative data. Empirical examples represent a wide range of taxa, including bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals. The result is a synthesis of theoretical and empirical studies of thermal biology that offers insights about evolutionary processes.Less
Temperature pervasively impacts the phenotypes and distributions of organisms. These thermal effects generate strong selective pressures on behaviour, physiology, and life history when environmental temperatures vary over space and time. Despite this fact, progress toward a quantitative theory of thermal adaptation has lagged behind empirical descriptions of patterns and processes. This book draws on current evolutionary paradigms (optimization, quantitative genetics, and genetic algorithms) to establish a theory of thermal adaptation. It initially focuses on simple models that describe the evolution of thermosensitivity, thermoregulation, or acclimation. Later chapters focus on more complex models describing the coadaptation of traits or the coevolution of species. Throughout the book, various lines of evidence are used to question the major assumptions of these models. Furthermore, the predictions of these models are confronted with experimental and comparative data. Empirical examples represent a wide range of taxa, including bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals. The result is a synthesis of theoretical and empirical studies of thermal biology that offers insights about evolutionary processes.
Michael J. Angilletta
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198570875
- eISBN:
- 9780191718748
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570875.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
Most evolutionary models focus on isolated traits, but the fitness of an organism depends on the combination of traits that composes its phenotype. Models of coadaptation account for the interaction ...
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Most evolutionary models focus on isolated traits, but the fitness of an organism depends on the combination of traits that composes its phenotype. Models of coadaptation account for the interaction between thermoregulatory behaviour and thermal physiology. These models cast doubt on a fundamental tenet of the theory of thermal adaptation; specifically, models that ignore coadaptation either predict or assume a close match between an organism's mean body temperature and its thermal optimum for performance. Two evolutionary processes can lead to a mismatch between the body temperature and the thermal optimum. First, time lags for acclimation and deacclimation favour a mismatch to reduce the loss of performance during thermal change. Second, imprecise thermoregulation favours a mismatch to prevent the loss of performance at high temperatures. An explicit focus on the interaction between traits will shed light on these processes and other processes of coadaptation.Less
Most evolutionary models focus on isolated traits, but the fitness of an organism depends on the combination of traits that composes its phenotype. Models of coadaptation account for the interaction between thermoregulatory behaviour and thermal physiology. These models cast doubt on a fundamental tenet of the theory of thermal adaptation; specifically, models that ignore coadaptation either predict or assume a close match between an organism's mean body temperature and its thermal optimum for performance. Two evolutionary processes can lead to a mismatch between the body temperature and the thermal optimum. First, time lags for acclimation and deacclimation favour a mismatch to reduce the loss of performance during thermal change. Second, imprecise thermoregulation favours a mismatch to prevent the loss of performance at high temperatures. An explicit focus on the interaction between traits will shed light on these processes and other processes of coadaptation.
Michael J. Angilletta
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198570875
- eISBN:
- 9780191718748
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570875.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
Models of thermal adaptation generally ignore selective pressures imposed by the interactions among genotypes. This view should be replaced by the concept of a thermal game, in which the optimal ...
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Models of thermal adaptation generally ignore selective pressures imposed by the interactions among genotypes. This view should be replaced by the concept of a thermal game, in which the optimal strategy of thermosensitivity, thermoregulation, or acclimation depends on the strategies of other organisms. Models of thermal games predict patterns of adaptation that differ drastically from the patterns generated by traditional optimality models. Natural selection might favour a very low accuracy of thermoregulation when an organism must deal with competitors or predators. The same ecological interactions can shape the evolution of performance curves in surprising ways. For example, competition can cause the thermal optimum to deviate from the mean environmental temperature. Furthermore, predation can cause endless cycles of adaptation in which the thermal optima of predators and prey rarely match their mean temperatures. Equally novel insights will likely emerge from the analysis of other thermal games.Less
Models of thermal adaptation generally ignore selective pressures imposed by the interactions among genotypes. This view should be replaced by the concept of a thermal game, in which the optimal strategy of thermosensitivity, thermoregulation, or acclimation depends on the strategies of other organisms. Models of thermal games predict patterns of adaptation that differ drastically from the patterns generated by traditional optimality models. Natural selection might favour a very low accuracy of thermoregulation when an organism must deal with competitors or predators. The same ecological interactions can shape the evolution of performance curves in surprising ways. For example, competition can cause the thermal optimum to deviate from the mean environmental temperature. Furthermore, predation can cause endless cycles of adaptation in which the thermal optima of predators and prey rarely match their mean temperatures. Equally novel insights will likely emerge from the analysis of other thermal games.
Michael J. Angilletta
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198570875
- eISBN:
- 9780191718748
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570875.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
Rates of warming during recent decades have exceeded those experienced during the previous millennia. This anthropogenic climate change has led to advances in organismal phenology, shifts in ...
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Rates of warming during recent decades have exceeded those experienced during the previous millennia. This anthropogenic climate change has led to advances in organismal phenology, shifts in geographic ranges, and disruptions of ecological interactions. A growing body of evidence underscores the need to consider evolutionary responses to global warming. Both the physiological regulation of phenology and the thermal sensitivity of performance have evolved in warming environments. Nevertheless, quantitative genetic and allelic models suggest that rapid warming will lead to persistent maladaptation and certain extinction. The degree of maladaptation during warming depends on numerous factors, including the stochasticity of temperature, the size of the population, the additive genetic variance, the rate of gene flow, and the interactions between species. Further development of these models could lead to an applied theory of thermal adaptation that more accurately predicts the biological impacts of global warming.Less
Rates of warming during recent decades have exceeded those experienced during the previous millennia. This anthropogenic climate change has led to advances in organismal phenology, shifts in geographic ranges, and disruptions of ecological interactions. A growing body of evidence underscores the need to consider evolutionary responses to global warming. Both the physiological regulation of phenology and the thermal sensitivity of performance have evolved in warming environments. Nevertheless, quantitative genetic and allelic models suggest that rapid warming will lead to persistent maladaptation and certain extinction. The degree of maladaptation during warming depends on numerous factors, including the stochasticity of temperature, the size of the population, the additive genetic variance, the rate of gene flow, and the interactions between species. Further development of these models could lead to an applied theory of thermal adaptation that more accurately predicts the biological impacts of global warming.
David Ward
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199211470
- eISBN:
- 9780191728143
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199211470.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
Many animals show unique morphological and behavioural adaptations to desert extremes, while others are able to avoid these by behavioural means. This chapter focuses on patterns of convergent ...
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Many animals show unique morphological and behavioural adaptations to desert extremes, while others are able to avoid these by behavioural means. This chapter focuses on patterns of convergent evolution of traits to assess which features represent unique desert adaptations. There are several taxa for which suitable, phylogenetically-controlled analyses have been conducted. This means that the effects of phylogeny, which may be considerable, have been removed. Removing the effects of phylogeny allow one to test whether an adaptation has occurred. For example, a character may be considered a desert adaptation because many desert-dwelling species possess the character, and non-desert-dwelling species do not. However, if there are many desert-dwelling species in a particular part of a clade, then this character may have evolved by chance alone. Select examples from tenebrionid beetles, lizards, birds, and mammals are considered.Less
Many animals show unique morphological and behavioural adaptations to desert extremes, while others are able to avoid these by behavioural means. This chapter focuses on patterns of convergent evolution of traits to assess which features represent unique desert adaptations. There are several taxa for which suitable, phylogenetically-controlled analyses have been conducted. This means that the effects of phylogeny, which may be considerable, have been removed. Removing the effects of phylogeny allow one to test whether an adaptation has occurred. For example, a character may be considered a desert adaptation because many desert-dwelling species possess the character, and non-desert-dwelling species do not. However, if there are many desert-dwelling species in a particular part of a clade, then this character may have evolved by chance alone. Select examples from tenebrionid beetles, lizards, birds, and mammals are considered.
Ida J. Llewellyn-Smith and Anthony J. M. Verberne (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195306637
- eISBN:
- 9780199894130
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195306637.001.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic
Central autonomic circuits in the brain and spinal cord are essential to vertebrate life. They control all basic bodily functions, including blood pressure, body temperature regulation, digestion, ...
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Central autonomic circuits in the brain and spinal cord are essential to vertebrate life. They control all basic bodily functions, including blood pressure, body temperature regulation, digestion, and reproduction. This book presents the extraordinary advances that have been made over the last twenty years in the understanding of how our central nervous system controls autonomic function. The first nine chapters describe central autonomic circuits from the cerebral cortex to the periphery. Eight additional chapters address specific bodily functions and their control by central autonomic circuits. Two additional chapters discuss cardio-respiratory integration and regulation of autonomic function by visceral and somatic afferents. All of the chapters are up-to-date and cover topics such as the central autonomic regulation of airways, gastrointestinal function, energy homeostasis, body temperature, and sexual function, reflecting the latest research.Less
Central autonomic circuits in the brain and spinal cord are essential to vertebrate life. They control all basic bodily functions, including blood pressure, body temperature regulation, digestion, and reproduction. This book presents the extraordinary advances that have been made over the last twenty years in the understanding of how our central nervous system controls autonomic function. The first nine chapters describe central autonomic circuits from the cerebral cortex to the periphery. Eight additional chapters address specific bodily functions and their control by central autonomic circuits. Two additional chapters discuss cardio-respiratory integration and regulation of autonomic function by visceral and somatic afferents. All of the chapters are up-to-date and cover topics such as the central autonomic regulation of airways, gastrointestinal function, energy homeostasis, body temperature, and sexual function, reflecting the latest research.
Stanley S. Hillman, Philip C. Withers, Robert C. Drewes, and Stanley D. Hillyard
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198570325
- eISBN:
- 9780191728259
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570325.003.0005
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Aquatic Biology
This chapter describes both analytic and measurement techniques used in the study of the environmental physiology of amphibians. The first section explores the benefits and pitfalls of utilizing ...
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This chapter describes both analytic and measurement techniques used in the study of the environmental physiology of amphibians. The first section explores the benefits and pitfalls of utilizing phylogenetic methods to analyze and interpret physiological and morphological data with respect to phylogeny. The remainder of the chapter describes common techniques used for the measurement of temperature, water and ion exchange, cardiovascular physiology, and metabolism.Less
This chapter describes both analytic and measurement techniques used in the study of the environmental physiology of amphibians. The first section explores the benefits and pitfalls of utilizing phylogenetic methods to analyze and interpret physiological and morphological data with respect to phylogeny. The remainder of the chapter describes common techniques used for the measurement of temperature, water and ion exchange, cardiovascular physiology, and metabolism.
Shaun F. Morrison and William W. Blessing
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195306637
- eISBN:
- 9780199894130
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195306637.003.0018
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic
The maintenance of body temperature is an essential behavior in the homeostatic repertoire orchestrated by central neural circuits. Thermoregulatory pathways optimize cellular and organ function at ...
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The maintenance of body temperature is an essential behavior in the homeostatic repertoire orchestrated by central neural circuits. Thermoregulatory pathways optimize cellular and organ function at rest and in response to the demands of behavior, environmental temperature challenges and inflammation, and infectious disease processes. An overview of the functional organization of thermoregulatory mechanisms is presented. This chapter summarizes the research leading to our current understanding of the neural pathways and the neurotransmitter systems through which thermal and pyrogenic afferent signaling alters the activity of thermoregulatory effectors. These effectors include the cutaneous circulation for control of heat loss, the brown adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and the heart for thermogenesis, and the various species-dependent mechanisms of evaporative heat loss. The activation of thermoregulatory effectors is regulated by parallel but distinct, effector-specific, core efferent pathways within the central nervous system that share a common peripheral thermal sensory input.Less
The maintenance of body temperature is an essential behavior in the homeostatic repertoire orchestrated by central neural circuits. Thermoregulatory pathways optimize cellular and organ function at rest and in response to the demands of behavior, environmental temperature challenges and inflammation, and infectious disease processes. An overview of the functional organization of thermoregulatory mechanisms is presented. This chapter summarizes the research leading to our current understanding of the neural pathways and the neurotransmitter systems through which thermal and pyrogenic afferent signaling alters the activity of thermoregulatory effectors. These effectors include the cutaneous circulation for control of heat loss, the brown adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and the heart for thermogenesis, and the various species-dependent mechanisms of evaporative heat loss. The activation of thermoregulatory effectors is regulated by parallel but distinct, effector-specific, core efferent pathways within the central nervous system that share a common peripheral thermal sensory input.
Dietland Müller-Schwarze
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801450105
- eISBN:
- 9780801460869
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801450105.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Behavior / Behavioral Ecology
This chapter provides an overview of the beaver's diving reflex and thermoregulation, with particular emphasis on its evolution from a basic mammalian design into a superb amphibious, semiaquatic ...
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This chapter provides an overview of the beaver's diving reflex and thermoregulation, with particular emphasis on its evolution from a basic mammalian design into a superb amphibious, semiaquatic animal. It describes the anatomy of the beaver, which betrays the habit of extensive floating on the water surface: the vital air intake and sense organs are arranged so that the nostrils, eyes, and ears extend above the water while the rest of the head and body are submerged. It also explains how the beaver has acquired swimming and diving prowess without losing its ability to walk and even run, dig, and forage on land. Finally, it examines the beaver's thermoregulation in water and on land.Less
This chapter provides an overview of the beaver's diving reflex and thermoregulation, with particular emphasis on its evolution from a basic mammalian design into a superb amphibious, semiaquatic animal. It describes the anatomy of the beaver, which betrays the habit of extensive floating on the water surface: the vital air intake and sense organs are arranged so that the nostrils, eyes, and ears extend above the water while the rest of the head and body are submerged. It also explains how the beaver has acquired swimming and diving prowess without losing its ability to walk and even run, dig, and forage on land. Finally, it examines the beaver's thermoregulation in water and on land.
David Weishampel (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520242098
- eISBN:
- 9780520941434
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520242098.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This revised edition of this book continues in the same vein as the first but encompasses recent spectacular discoveries that have continued to revolutionize this field. A thorough scientific view of ...
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This revised edition of this book continues in the same vein as the first but encompasses recent spectacular discoveries that have continued to revolutionize this field. A thorough scientific view of current world research, the volume includes comprehensive coverage of dinosaur systematics, reproduction, and life history strategies, biogeography, taphonomy, paleoecology, thermoregulation, and extinction. It contains definitive descriptions and illustrations of these magnificent Mesozoic beasts. The first section of the book begins with the origin of the great clade of these fascinating reptiles, followed by separate coverage of each major dinosaur taxon, including the Mesozoic radiation of birds. The second part of the volume navigates through broad areas of interest. Here we find comprehensive documentation of dinosaur distribution through time and space, discussion of the interface between geology and biology, and the paleoecological inferences that can be made through this link.Less
This revised edition of this book continues in the same vein as the first but encompasses recent spectacular discoveries that have continued to revolutionize this field. A thorough scientific view of current world research, the volume includes comprehensive coverage of dinosaur systematics, reproduction, and life history strategies, biogeography, taphonomy, paleoecology, thermoregulation, and extinction. It contains definitive descriptions and illustrations of these magnificent Mesozoic beasts. The first section of the book begins with the origin of the great clade of these fascinating reptiles, followed by separate coverage of each major dinosaur taxon, including the Mesozoic radiation of birds. The second part of the volume navigates through broad areas of interest. Here we find comprehensive documentation of dinosaur distribution through time and space, discussion of the interface between geology and biology, and the paleoecological inferences that can be made through this link.
Anusuya Chinsamy and Willem J. Hillenius
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520242098
- eISBN:
- 9780520941434
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520242098.003.0031
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter examines the paleophysiology of nonavian dinosaurs. It describes the physiological and functional aspects of dinosaurs and focuses on two distinct physiological attributes: ...
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This chapter examines the paleophysiology of nonavian dinosaurs. It describes the physiological and functional aspects of dinosaurs and focuses on two distinct physiological attributes: thermoregulation and aerobic capacity. New evidence pertaining to dinosaur energetics and thermoregulation is examined. The chapter discusses respiratory turbinates, resting metabolic rates, lung structure, ventilation, elevated active metabolic rates, and the relationship between bone microstructure and thermoregulation in nonavian dinosaurs.Less
This chapter examines the paleophysiology of nonavian dinosaurs. It describes the physiological and functional aspects of dinosaurs and focuses on two distinct physiological attributes: thermoregulation and aerobic capacity. New evidence pertaining to dinosaur energetics and thermoregulation is examined. The chapter discusses respiratory turbinates, resting metabolic rates, lung structure, ventilation, elevated active metabolic rates, and the relationship between bone microstructure and thermoregulation in nonavian dinosaurs.
Eric R. Pianka and Laurie J. Vitt
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520234017
- eISBN:
- 9780520939912
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520234017.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
From a lizard's perspective, the world is a complex set of landscapes. Physical landscapes change relatively slowly, but changes can be great given enough time. Because lizards cannot regulate their ...
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From a lizard's perspective, the world is a complex set of landscapes. Physical landscapes change relatively slowly, but changes can be great given enough time. Because lizards cannot regulate their body temperatures physiologically like mammals and birds, the thermal landscape is of particular importance and in many respects, more complex than the physical landscape itself. This chapter discusses how lizards move around in their respective habitats, how they perform their daily activities within constraints of the particular habitat where they live. It examines the physiological responses of lizards, including their locomotor abilities, thermoregulation, and other intra- and interspecific interactions.Less
From a lizard's perspective, the world is a complex set of landscapes. Physical landscapes change relatively slowly, but changes can be great given enough time. Because lizards cannot regulate their body temperatures physiologically like mammals and birds, the thermal landscape is of particular importance and in many respects, more complex than the physical landscape itself. This chapter discusses how lizards move around in their respective habitats, how they perform their daily activities within constraints of the particular habitat where they live. It examines the physiological responses of lizards, including their locomotor abilities, thermoregulation, and other intra- and interspecific interactions.
Jonathan B. Losos
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520255913
- eISBN:
- 9780520943735
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520255913.003.0010
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter discusses the various aspects of the environment that are important to anoles, as well as the extent to which habitat use shifts through time. Anoles occur in many habitats, elevations, ...
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This chapter discusses the various aspects of the environment that are important to anoles, as well as the extent to which habitat use shifts through time. Anoles occur in many habitats, elevations, and latitudes, and differ in extent of basking. There are aspects of the environment that vary within and among localities, and to which anoles specialize. This specialization allows anole species to adapt to extreme habitats, and permits sympatric species to coexist while occupying the same structural microhabitat. The chapter discusses two important environmental factors—temperature and moisture—and then examines the effectiveness of microhabitat selection for anole thermoregulation. It also describes remote sensing approaches to investigate the habitat requirements of anoles and ontogenetic and seasonal shifts in habitat use.Less
This chapter discusses the various aspects of the environment that are important to anoles, as well as the extent to which habitat use shifts through time. Anoles occur in many habitats, elevations, and latitudes, and differ in extent of basking. There are aspects of the environment that vary within and among localities, and to which anoles specialize. This specialization allows anole species to adapt to extreme habitats, and permits sympatric species to coexist while occupying the same structural microhabitat. The chapter discusses two important environmental factors—temperature and moisture—and then examines the effectiveness of microhabitat selection for anole thermoregulation. It also describes remote sensing approaches to investigate the habitat requirements of anoles and ontogenetic and seasonal shifts in habitat use.
Jill Lancaster and Barbara J. Downes
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199573219
- eISBN:
- 9780191774850
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199573219.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter discusses how insects are affected by temperature variations and extremes, and the different adaptations that allow some independence of ambient temperatures (behavioural and ...
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This chapter discusses how insects are affected by temperature variations and extremes, and the different adaptations that allow some independence of ambient temperatures (behavioural and physiological thermoregulation) and that facilitate survival in extreme heat or cold. Stresses from water loss are discussed in the context of water balance (excretion and osmoregulation), and focus broadly on the mechanisms that allow survival in environments where water loss may be very high, such as saline lakes and marine habitats. The final section considers some extreme examples of aquatic life stages that can survive almost total dehydration, a form of cryptobiosis. These discussions provide a general description of the stresses and survival strategies, and avoid detailed descriptions of the underlying physiology and biochemistry.Less
This chapter discusses how insects are affected by temperature variations and extremes, and the different adaptations that allow some independence of ambient temperatures (behavioural and physiological thermoregulation) and that facilitate survival in extreme heat or cold. Stresses from water loss are discussed in the context of water balance (excretion and osmoregulation), and focus broadly on the mechanisms that allow survival in environments where water loss may be very high, such as saline lakes and marine habitats. The final section considers some extreme examples of aquatic life stages that can survive almost total dehydration, a form of cryptobiosis. These discussions provide a general description of the stresses and survival strategies, and avoid detailed descriptions of the underlying physiology and biochemistry.
Andrew E. McKechnie
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- September 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198824268
- eISBN:
- 9780191862809
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198824268.003.0010
- Subject:
- Biology, Ornithology, Animal Biology
The direct impacts of higher temperatures on birds are manifested over timescales ranging from minutes and hours to years and decades. Over short timescales, acute exposure to high temperatures can ...
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The direct impacts of higher temperatures on birds are manifested over timescales ranging from minutes and hours to years and decades. Over short timescales, acute exposure to high temperatures can lead to hyperthermia or dehydration, which among arid-zone species occasionally causes catastrophic mortality events. Over intermediate timescales of days to weeks, high temperatures can have chronic sub-lethal effects via body mass loss or reduced nestling growth rates, negatively affecting sev eral fitness components. Long-term effects of warming manifested over years to decades involve declining body mass or changes in appendage size. Key directions for future research include elucidating the role of phenotypic plasticity and epigenetic processes in avian adaptation to climate change, examining the role of stress pathways in mediating responses to heat events, and understanding the consequences of higher temperatures for species that traverse hot regions while migrating.Less
The direct impacts of higher temperatures on birds are manifested over timescales ranging from minutes and hours to years and decades. Over short timescales, acute exposure to high temperatures can lead to hyperthermia or dehydration, which among arid-zone species occasionally causes catastrophic mortality events. Over intermediate timescales of days to weeks, high temperatures can have chronic sub-lethal effects via body mass loss or reduced nestling growth rates, negatively affecting sev eral fitness components. Long-term effects of warming manifested over years to decades involve declining body mass or changes in appendage size. Key directions for future research include elucidating the role of phenotypic plasticity and epigenetic processes in avian adaptation to climate change, examining the role of stress pathways in mediating responses to heat events, and understanding the consequences of higher temperatures for species that traverse hot regions while migrating.
Alberto Gallace and Charles Spence
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- April 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199644469
- eISBN:
- 9780191760587
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199644469.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology
It seems now clear that localizing somatosensory sensations is a relevant factor in the discrimination of where our body begins and where it ends. That is, the sense of touch helps to mark that which ...
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It seems now clear that localizing somatosensory sensations is a relevant factor in the discrimination of where our body begins and where it ends. That is, the sense of touch helps to mark that which is “us” and that what is not. Although it seems somehow straightforward to perceive our arm, hand, leg or face as a part of our body, something that contributes to define who we are as individuals differentiated from the rest of the world, the neural process that allows for this sense of ownership to remain constant, is rather complex. There are situations where body ownership is lost or where external objects are perceived as a part of our own body. This can occur as a consequence of brain damage but also as a result of certain experimental manipulations. In fact, the result of the extant research in this field would seem to suggest that our brain is prepared to integrate in its own circuits additional body parts that are not an anatomical product of genetic coding and that the processing of tactile information plays a major role in leading this process.Less
It seems now clear that localizing somatosensory sensations is a relevant factor in the discrimination of where our body begins and where it ends. That is, the sense of touch helps to mark that which is “us” and that what is not. Although it seems somehow straightforward to perceive our arm, hand, leg or face as a part of our body, something that contributes to define who we are as individuals differentiated from the rest of the world, the neural process that allows for this sense of ownership to remain constant, is rather complex. There are situations where body ownership is lost or where external objects are perceived as a part of our own body. This can occur as a consequence of brain damage but also as a result of certain experimental manipulations. In fact, the result of the extant research in this field would seem to suggest that our brain is prepared to integrate in its own circuits additional body parts that are not an anatomical product of genetic coding and that the processing of tactile information plays a major role in leading this process.
Graham Mitchell
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- August 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780197571194
- eISBN:
- 9780197571224
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780197571194.003.0018
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
The product of natural selection over at least 15 million years is the elongated, slender shape of giraffes that fits the natural habitat giraffes now occupy. What selection pressures operated to ...
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The product of natural selection over at least 15 million years is the elongated, slender shape of giraffes that fits the natural habitat giraffes now occupy. What selection pressures operated to produce their shape? Their shape is partly the product of gravity and could have been an accidental by-product of selection for a large body mass and the protection from predation that large size brings, but the prevailing explanation is that their shape confers a browsing advantage. Preferred browse is concentrated at a height easily reached by giraffes but not by other browsers and natural selection would have favored those giraffes that could reach it. An alternative hypothesis is that their shape confers thermoregulatory benefits in addition to improved vigilance. Another hypothesis is that a long neck evolved to counter long legs allowing giraffes to drink surface water. An attractive hypothesis is that their shape is a product of ‘runaway’ sexual selection by females for males with long heavy necks, but analysis of this hypothesis has shown that the morphology of male and female giraffe does not differ. Nevertheless, all these possibilities could have contributed. A consequence of selection for their shape is over-specialization: giraffes seem to be inextricably dependent on a narrow diet, a diet that is subject to the vagaries of climate and competition for resources. The greatest threat to their survival is, therefore, their shape.Less
The product of natural selection over at least 15 million years is the elongated, slender shape of giraffes that fits the natural habitat giraffes now occupy. What selection pressures operated to produce their shape? Their shape is partly the product of gravity and could have been an accidental by-product of selection for a large body mass and the protection from predation that large size brings, but the prevailing explanation is that their shape confers a browsing advantage. Preferred browse is concentrated at a height easily reached by giraffes but not by other browsers and natural selection would have favored those giraffes that could reach it. An alternative hypothesis is that their shape confers thermoregulatory benefits in addition to improved vigilance. Another hypothesis is that a long neck evolved to counter long legs allowing giraffes to drink surface water. An attractive hypothesis is that their shape is a product of ‘runaway’ sexual selection by females for males with long heavy necks, but analysis of this hypothesis has shown that the morphology of male and female giraffe does not differ. Nevertheless, all these possibilities could have contributed. A consequence of selection for their shape is over-specialization: giraffes seem to be inextricably dependent on a narrow diet, a diet that is subject to the vagaries of climate and competition for resources. The greatest threat to their survival is, therefore, their shape.
Frank Rosell and Róisín Campbell-Palmer
- Published in print:
- 2022
- Published Online:
- February 2022
- ISBN:
- 9780198835042
- eISBN:
- 9780191872860
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198835042.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter describes the beaver’s biology and physiology, including many unique specialized adaptations to enable them to cope with their semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as diving and digesting bark. ...
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This chapter describes the beaver’s biology and physiology, including many unique specialized adaptations to enable them to cope with their semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as diving and digesting bark. The chapter begins with a general description of the beaver body form and structure, including differences between the species. They possess a range of unique features and specialized organs that enable them to survive a semi-aquatic lifestyle, including thick waterproof fur, a cloaca, and various thermoregulation adaptations. Locomotion varies, on land, the beaver is a large, plodding animal that rarely waddles far from the water’s edge. In water they move quickly and dive efficiently and, while potentially not the most agile of swimming animals, spend large amounts of time in the water foraging and maintaining their territory. The beaver tail is quite unique, its form and function are discussed. The beaver’s digestive system is described, including specialized features, e.g. an enlarged caecum ‘fermentation chamber’ designed to accommodate large amounts of complex cellulose such as bark, which is aided by microorganisms in the beaver’s stomach that help in breaking down these substances. The physiology of scent production is also described as chemical communication is significant in these two species. This chapter highlights key features which enable beavers to spend long periods in water and underground especially in prolonged winters.Less
This chapter describes the beaver’s biology and physiology, including many unique specialized adaptations to enable them to cope with their semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as diving and digesting bark. The chapter begins with a general description of the beaver body form and structure, including differences between the species. They possess a range of unique features and specialized organs that enable them to survive a semi-aquatic lifestyle, including thick waterproof fur, a cloaca, and various thermoregulation adaptations. Locomotion varies, on land, the beaver is a large, plodding animal that rarely waddles far from the water’s edge. In water they move quickly and dive efficiently and, while potentially not the most agile of swimming animals, spend large amounts of time in the water foraging and maintaining their territory. The beaver tail is quite unique, its form and function are discussed. The beaver’s digestive system is described, including specialized features, e.g. an enlarged caecum ‘fermentation chamber’ designed to accommodate large amounts of complex cellulose such as bark, which is aided by microorganisms in the beaver’s stomach that help in breaking down these substances. The physiology of scent production is also described as chemical communication is significant in these two species. This chapter highlights key features which enable beavers to spend long periods in water and underground especially in prolonged winters.