The Lady in the Lab

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...

Predation is when an organism kills and eats another organism (prey) to gain energy necessary for reproduction. In the perspective of the prey, predation reduces fitness. Predation is therefore a type of antagonistic interaction, a biotic factor limiting species distribution [1][2]. However, predation is also important to promote biodiversity through adaptation[3]. Types of predation 1. Carnivory - a type of predation where one animal consumes another. Carnivory is obviously displayed by large animals. Examples of these are wolves hunting moose, eagles hunting monkeys, cats hunting mouse, etc. Another form of carnivory is group predation. This is usually observed in ants and spiders as well as social carnivores such as lions and hyenas[1]  where a group of individuals of  the same species are feeding on one large organism . Plants can also become carnivorous predators. Although they are not mobile, they are still able to capture animals. Examples of this is the...

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...