Environmental Stress and Behavioural Adaptation

Kids, Natural World, Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book Environmental Stress and Behavioural Adaptation by John Davenport, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Davenport ISBN: 9789401160735
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: John Davenport
ISBN: 9789401160735
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

It is generally agreed that animal life originated in the sea and that adaptive radiation subsequently led to the colonisaHon of other environments - shores and estuaries, streams and lakes, bog, mountain and desert. In their invasion of these habitats animals left the equable, relatively stabl.e surroundings of the open sea and subjected themselves to the rigours of temperature fluctuations and extremes, a variety of ionic backgrounds, areas of depleted oxygen or the possibility of aerial exposure and potential desiccation. The spur for this radiation presumably lay in the prize of access to unexploited habitats and sources of energy. The survival of these more adventurous species has depended upon them evolving mechanisms to protect the integrity of their cellular constituents. Protoplasm can only exist within physiochemical limits which are quite narrow for each species. Water activity, salt and gas concentrations and temperature all have to be appropriate for enzyme­ catalysed processes to function properly within cells. Except in the open sea, environmental conditions regularly vary outside these limits. To take a familiar example; humans can only remain conscious (and hence functional) if their core (Le. deep tissues - brain, heart, liver, etc.) body temperature is maintained between about 30 and 43°C.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

It is generally agreed that animal life originated in the sea and that adaptive radiation subsequently led to the colonisaHon of other environments - shores and estuaries, streams and lakes, bog, mountain and desert. In their invasion of these habitats animals left the equable, relatively stabl.e surroundings of the open sea and subjected themselves to the rigours of temperature fluctuations and extremes, a variety of ionic backgrounds, areas of depleted oxygen or the possibility of aerial exposure and potential desiccation. The spur for this radiation presumably lay in the prize of access to unexploited habitats and sources of energy. The survival of these more adventurous species has depended upon them evolving mechanisms to protect the integrity of their cellular constituents. Protoplasm can only exist within physiochemical limits which are quite narrow for each species. Water activity, salt and gas concentrations and temperature all have to be appropriate for enzyme­ catalysed processes to function properly within cells. Except in the open sea, environmental conditions regularly vary outside these limits. To take a familiar example; humans can only remain conscious (and hence functional) if their core (Le. deep tissues - brain, heart, liver, etc.) body temperature is maintained between about 30 and 43°C.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Materials Chemistry by John Davenport
Cover of the book Silesia Yesterday and Today by John Davenport
Cover of the book Optical Transmission by John Davenport
Cover of the book Psychological Selection and Optimal Experience Across Cultures by John Davenport
Cover of the book Plant Molecular Biology by John Davenport
Cover of the book Science and Technology Policy by John Davenport
Cover of the book The Soils of Bulgaria by John Davenport
Cover of the book Food Antioxidants by John Davenport
Cover of the book Clinical Aspects of Albumin by John Davenport
Cover of the book Recent Perspectives in American Philosophy by John Davenport
Cover of the book Future Information Communication Technology and Applications by John Davenport
Cover of the book Atlas of Cardiac MR Imaging with Anatomical Correlations by John Davenport
Cover of the book Structure and Properties of Liquid Crystals by John Davenport
Cover of the book Youth Identities, Localities, and Visual Material Culture by John Davenport
Cover of the book Problems of Semantics by John Davenport
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy