Comparative Physiology

Mangroves protect our coasts and promote biodiversity, but how do they thrive in the hostile, salty water that is lethal to most plants? How does a goose fly over the Himalayas in the intense cold and low oxygen that would kill a human in minutes? Answers to these questions rely on a strong understanding of how plants and animals operate at all levels, from cells to organs. For an organism to function in the natural environment physiological processes must work together. If we understand these processes we can better predict how plants and animals will respond to environmental stress. For example, we can then work out how extreme temperatures and drought brought about by climate change will affect local rates of extinction. We can explore the tricks that allow some species to survive in seemingly inhospitable environments across our planet. This knowledge can offer novel engineering insights into the design of our own buildings, transport systems and even cities (biomimetics is a growing and exciting field). Plant and animal systems are rich in their diversity and have evolved striking parallels in how hormones and other biomolecules interact in day-to-day life. These interactions govern all metabolic processes that affect growth and performance. In this course we will help you to see both the shared and unique features of plant and animal physiology that underpin the evolution of biodiversity. Physiology is not just fascinating; it’s crucial to our survival and well-being. Students will learn concepts that can be applied to an array of real-world problems including: 1) predicting how species distributions will change in response to climate change; 2) improving conservation outcomes for endangered plants and animals; 3) how anthropogenic stressors, such as overfishing, pollution and the introduction of invasive species impact physiology and can increase the risk of population extinction; 4) designing crops to ensure future food security. This course covers a broad range of topics that can be studied at greater depth in more specialised third year courses Honours pathway option(HPO): Entry to this option will be subject to the approval of the course convener and based on merit. Students who take this option can choose to complete one of the two additional assessable item: - 1500 word essay on a topic relevant to the course that would be supplied by the lecturers together with some seed research literature. (Due week 10) LO 1,4, 5 or - Create material for the online delivery of two of the practical classes. This could consist of short videos with voiceover, or other material that would enhance the online delivery of future classes. (Due end of week 12) LO 1, 3, 4, 5