The new and updated edition of this accessible text provides a comprehensive overview of the comparative physiology
of animals within an environmental context.
Includes two brand new chapters on Nerves and Muscles and the Endocrine System.
Discusses both comparative systems physiology and environmental physiology.
Analyses and integrates problems and adaptations for each kind of environment: marine, seashore and estuary,
freshwater, terrestrial and parasitic.
Examines mechanisms and responses beyond physiology.
Applies an evolutionary perspective to the analysis of environmental adaptation.
Provides modern molecular biology insights into the mechanistic basis of adaptation, and takes the level of
analysis beyond the cell to the membrane, enzyme and gene.
Incorporates more varied material from a wide range of animal types, with less of a focus purely on terrestrial
reptiles, birds and mammals and rather more about the spectacularly successful strategies of invertebrates.
Table of Contents
Part I: Basic Principles:
1. The Nature And Levels Of Adaptation
2. Fundamental Mechanisms Of Adaptation
3. The Problems Of Size And Scale
Part II: Central Issues In Comparative Physiology:
4. Water, Ions, And Osmotic Physiology
5. Animal Water Balance, Osmoregulation, And Excretion
6. Metabolism And Energy Supply
7. Respiration And Circulation
8. Temperature And Its Effects
9. Excitable Tissues Nervous Systems And Muscles
10. Hormones And Chemical Control Systems:
Part III: Coping With The Environment:
Introduction
11. Marine Life
12. Shorelines And Estuaries
13. Fresh Water
14. Special Aquatic Habitats
15. Terrestrial Life
16. Extreme Terrestrial Habitats
17. Parasitic Habitats
References
Index
