BIO120H1 Lecture Notes - Blubber, Aquatic Animal, Muskox
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BIO120H1 Full Course Notes
Verified Note
36 documents
Document Summary
Bio120: species ranges and the physical challenges of the environment: heat. Relationship between physiological range and geographical range: contrasting examples. Examples of one environmental challenge to physiology: heat balance/thermal ecology of animals: modes of heat gain and loss; homeostasis, size, shape, insulation, evaporative cooling, tradeoff principle and adaptive compromises. Reactions occur (enzymes function) best at optimum temperature and osmotic conditions, where fitness is maximized. Many mechanisms for homeostasis have evolved to challenge hostile environments. Maintenance of homeostasis requires energy and is often limited by constraints and tradeoffs. Animals" geographical ranges often correspond to biomes (limited by climate/vegetation) limited to special habitats (behavioural habitat selection) limited by other organisms (enemies, friends) transcend biomes (ecological versatility) Not at limits because of recent history (limited dispersal) Sometimes geographical distributions differ between similar species in ways that come down to behavioural choices made by the animal. Yellow-rumped warbler: large range, red (summer) blue (winter) purple (permanent) orange (overlap), insect eaters.
