How animals supports structure?

Animals have morphological and physiological adaptations to their environment that are essential for their survival. We need to understand these adaptations to understand how they function in their particular environment, and how they might respond to environmental challenges such as climate change.

Environmental Physiology

Understanding the physiological adaptations of animals to their environment involves study of the various physiological systems involved, and this is facilitated by comparing and contrasting various species from differing environments. It is important that we understand "how animals work" in their natural environment, particularly because of the environmental threats from human impacts, such as climate change.

Comparative Morphology

The structure of animals is inextricably linked to their function, and comparative morphology provides a structural framework for understanding the various adaptations of animals to their environment. Comparative morphology is a powerful tool for understanding how the structure and functioning of animals has changed and will change over time and in response to environmental modifications. Such adaptations are best exemplified by studies of groups in challenged or extreme environments such as, for example, bats and marine snakes.

Climate Change Adaptation

Understanding the impact of climate change is a pressing concern for the management of many animals. We are interested in using a mechanistic understanding of the physiology of affected animals to predict species responses to changing thermal and hydric environments, and to develop spatially-explicit models to guide management decisions.

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