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...

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...