The Lady in the Lab

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The study of physiology basically deals with the functions and mechanisms within a living system. These functions and mechanisms may be influenced by the external environment. Changes in temperature for example can affect the growth, reproduction, and  survival of organisms. Thus, studying animal physiology can help us determine the effect of climate change on the diversity and distribution of organisms. Changes in temperature Changes in environmental temperatures have a great influence on species geographical distribution, population collapse, species extinction, and on an organism's growth and reproduction[1].  Molecular, cellular, and systemic processes within a living system function at a limited range of temperature (thermal window). Performance in an organism's growth, reproduction, foraging, immune competence, behaviors and competitiveness is directly affected by climatic warming. Such performance is supported by increase in oxygen consumption by aerobic...

The key to understanding Biology is through the study of Evolution[1]. Evolution is what makes life possible[2]. How life started and how life came to be is all through the process of evolution. Evolution can explain how complex organisms came to be, how simple forms stay simple, and how organisms are related to each other. Evolution not only explains the development of visible morphological characters. At the molecular level, functions and forms of genes are influenced by the process of evolution as well[1]. To further understand how evolution is the heart of life processes, we need to understand the concepts and ideas that explain life: the theories of evolution. History of Evolution Before the conception of evolution, people believed in the paradigm of the   ' Fixity '   of species[4], that everything was created through Divine Conception [5].   The accepted idea is that every single organism was created as it is, nothing is mutated, everything is unch...

In the previous post, we have discussed the importance of conserving biodiversity. To be able to successfully do that, we have to understand and identify the threats to biodiversity. There are several major threats to biodiversity. These include habitat loss, introduction of invasive species, over harvesting, climate change and pollution. 1. Habitat loss This happens when an area is changed dramatically that it is no longer able to support species it once sustained[2]. Loss of habitat is usually caused by alterations by humans to meet their needs. This can be clearing forest areas to make way for agriculture or urban development. Mining and logging for use in constructions is also an example of habitat loss caused by humans. These activities can lead to species extinction as resources also needed by species living in that area is removed[1]. 2. Introduction of invasive species Invasive species are species not native to an area. Introduction of such species to new areas c...

The diversity of species both flora or fauna have very important roles in the survival of mankind. Biodiversity is a crucial natural resource for humans. Many species that are threatened could potentially provide economic values for human use [1]. Levels of Biodiversity[1] 1. Genetic diversity Genetic diversity comprises not only the individual genetic variation within a population, but also the genetic variation between populations that is often associated with adaptations to local conditions. If one population becomes extinct, then a species may have lost some of the genetic diversity which in turn reduces the adaptive potential of the species [1]. A good example of the importance of genetic diversity is production of rice. Having more varieties of rice contribute to its gene pool. This is very useful in improving the crop quality. One variety of rice may have genes for virus resistance, another with genes resistant to insects. These qualities can be combined t...

The word Ecology comes from the Greek words  oikos    meaning home, and logos    meaning study. It is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment. There are different levels of ecological studies according to the scope. Figure 1 shows the hierarchy of ecological research. Hierarchy of Ecological Research 1.) Organismal ecology - studies how the environment affects individual organism's structure, physiology, and behavior[1]. Research in organismal ecology mainly focuses on the adaptations that allows an individual to survive in a specific habitat [8]. Basically, an individuals reaction to the environment is being studied. Changes in the environment affects each individual species. They may adapt to the such changes, move to a different environment, or worse such individuals will die. 2.)   Population ecology -  studies the changes in population size as affected by environmental fa...