300838 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Comparative Physiology, Comparative Anatomy, Cellular Respiration

• School: UWS
• Department: University of Western Sydney
• Course: 300838
• Professor: anonymous

Document Summary

Comparative physiology, is the comparison of physiological adaptations among organisms to diverse and changing environments. Comparative physiology, like comparative anatomy, attempts to uncover evolutionary relationships between organisms or groups of organisms. Comparative physiology seeks to explain the evolution of biological functions by likening physiological characteristics between and among organisms (usually animals. ) This branch of biology constructs phylogenetic relationships (or, more loosely, evolutionary connections) between and among groups of organisms. Comparative physiology, in conjunction w ith other comparative disciplines, enables us to trace the evolution of organisms and their unique structures and to view ourselves in a broader light. By comparing the physiology among living things, scientists can gain insights into how groups of organisms have solved the adaptive problems in their natural environments over time. Comparative physiology compares basic physiological processes like cellular respiration and gas exchange, thermoregulation, circulation, water and ion balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction.