Animal Physiology: Adaptation and Environment 2nd Edition

Animal Physiology: Adaptation and Environment (2nd Edition)
Author: Knut Schmidt-Nielsen

Introduction

Animal Physiology: Adaptation and Environment by Knut Schmidt-Nielsen is a fundamental text that explores how animals adapt to their environments through physiological mechanisms. The book provides a detailed analysis of how different species regulate internal functions such as respiration, circulation, temperature, and water balance to survive in diverse ecosystems. With an evolutionary and comparative approach, it offers insights into the complex interactions between organisms and their surroundings, making it an essential resource for students and researchers in physiology and zoology.

Key Points

• Comparative Physiology: Discusses adaptations in various animal groups, from invertebrates to vertebrates.
• Environmental Adaptations: Examines how animals cope with extreme conditions such as deserts, deep oceans, and high altitudes.
• Respiratory and Circulatory Systems: Explains oxygen transport, gas exchange, and circulation efficiency in different species.
• Water and Ion Balance: Covers osmoregulation and strategies for maintaining hydration in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial animals.
• Thermoregulation: Describes how animals regulate body temperature through behavioral and physiological adaptations.
• Metabolism and Energy Use: Analyzes energy conservation, storage, and usage in different ecological conditions.
• Evolutionary Perspectives: Highlights how physiological adaptations contribute to species survival and evolution.

Why Read This Book

• Written by a pioneer in the field of animal physiology, providing authoritative insights.
• Offers a clear and engaging explanation of complex physiological processes.
• Uses a comparative approach, making it applicable to a wide range of animal species.
• Essential for students, educators, and researchers in animal physiology, zoology, and environmental biology.
• Helps readers understand the intricate relationship between animals and their environments.

Conclusion

Animal Physiology: Adaptation and Environment is a comprehensive guide to understanding how animals function and thrive in various ecosystems. Its detailed explanations, real-world examples, and evolutionary insights make it an indispensable resource for anyone studying animal physiology and environmental adaptations.