Publisher's Synopsis
This volume is intended for undergraduate students. It is especially targeted at students of animal ecology to provide a bridge between their knowledge of ecology and their understanding of physiology. The author has, however, presupposed an elementary knowledge of the physical sciences, physiology, biochemistry and zoology, such as is contained in a good freshman biology course. Advanced sixth form scholars at British schools may also benefit from reading it, and graduate students wishing to enter a new field of interest should find it of value.;Organized into four main sections it covers temperature regulation; water regulation; nutrition and energy; reproduction and the environment. Each section discusses the physiological and physical principles in the topic, and is supported by using illustrative case studies for a more practical approach. Each concludes with a discussion of the main evolutionary and ecological questions posed within.
