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 assess the achievement of learning objectives by testing knowledge of the various topics covered, including strategies for environmental adaptation, physiological differences between organisms, and the physiological mechanisms underlying these differences. The written exam will consist of four specific questions covering the various topics addressed. These will be open-ended questions requiring concise yet relevant answers, to be completed within a two-hour timeframe. Answers will be evaluated by the teachers of both Module 1 and Module 2, and the final grade will be the average of the two individual module grades. A failing grade in one of the two module requires the entire exam to be retaken. Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). That office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students; these proposals must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days beforehand, so that their appropriateness can be assessed in relation to the course's learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Textbook and slides discussed during the lessons 

Office hours

See the website of Elena Fabbri

See the website of Maria Chiara Valerii