This unit examines the physiological challenges that particular environments impose on animals and the physiological and morphological responses that animals evolve to contend with them. Where possible, Australian fauna will be emphasized, but we will also explore well-known physiological and morphological adaptations that are used by other animals to live in extreme environments. Topics include adaptations for maximising energy gain (foraging and digestion), evolution of aerobic metabolism, evolutionary designs for maximising aerobic performance in a range of habitats, coping with oxidative stress, maintaining water and ion balance in extreme environments such as deserts and hypersaline... -- Course Website
Instructor: B Buttemer
Prerequisites: One of SLE204, SLE205, SLE211 plus 1 level 2 SLE-coded unit
