13535 - Animal Physiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the students will have acquired advanced knowledge on the main topics regarding the physiology of vertebrates (respiratory system, cardio-circulatory system, digestive system, endocrine system, etc.) with particular emphasis on evolutionary aspects. The students will also examines some of the peculiar aspects of sensory physiology, such as electroreception, echolocation and magnetoreception, which will contribute to a more complete and integrated knowledge of the adaptations assumed by animals during evolution.

Course contents

The perception of the environment

Sensory receptors (mechanoreceptors, electroreceptors, photoreceptors, magnetoreceptors, etc.) to learn about the strategies and specializations of different animal species in order to perceive changes in the external environment and organize responses.

Temperature effects

Biochemical and physiological adaptations to changes in external temperature. Temperature regulation. Ectothermy and endothermy. Pekilothermy and homeothermy. Thermoregulation and specialized metabolic states. Adaptations to cold and heat.

The respiratory system

Breathing in water and air. Vertebrate adaptations to diving (reptiles, birds and marine mammals). Breathing at high altitude. The role of respiratory pigments.

The circulatory system

Morphofunctional organization of the circulatory system. Circulating fluids: blood and hemolymph. The heart. Diversity of circulation in vertebrates and invertebrates.

Osmoregulatory system

Osmoregulation and osmoconforming. The rectal gland of elasmobranchs. The role of gills in the regulation of osmotic pressure in freshwater and saltwater vertebrates (catadromous and anadromous fish). The salt gland of reptiles and birds. The role of the kidneys in various vertebrates.

Digestion

Feeding strategies in different environments (including the use of poisons) and functional characteristics of the digestive system in various vertebrates.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Fisiologia Animale. Autori Poli A., Fabbri E., etc 2018 (Edises, Na)

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

Assessment methods

The final exam aims to evaluate the achievement of the educational objectives by verifying knowledge on the various topics covered. The exam will be written and will focus on specific questions on the different topics covered. The questions are open questions to which the student will be invited to provide concise but relevant answers.

Teaching tools

Slides, scientific papers, textbook

Office hours

See the website of Elena Fabbri

See the website of Maria Chiara Valerii