Integrative ecophysiology

The aim of this EU is to understand the adaptive biology of organisms by considering individual and population responses to environmental variations. Concrete examples in animal evolutionary ecophysiology will be discussed in the context of global change. The responses of organisms and populations to abiotic parameters (such as temperature, salinity, oxygen availability, pollutants) will be considered, as well as their interactive effects. The course unit will demonstrate the involvement of physiological mechanisms in ecology, from phenotypic and cognitive processes at the intra-individual level to functional variants between individuals and between species. The concepts of intraspecific variability, phenotypic plasticity, and transgenerational effects will also be addressed. This course unit will be illustrated by examples of phenotypic trait analysis (including behavior) within populations. Links with genetic and epigenetic markers will also be discussed. Different approaches (-omics vs. gene/protein target), several experimental designs, and various scales of biological organization will be considered (molecule, gene, phenotype, individual, population, species).

"Concepts in ecophysiology—Understanding the physiological and behavioral adaptations of an organism in response to changes in its environment; - Understanding and knowing how to apply the tools used to study life history traits and ecophysiological measurements; - Understanding ecophysiological adaptations at the individual and population levels; - Understanding the analysis of phenotypic traits and their link to genotype."

Basic concepts in ecophysiology

Continuous assessment: 100%

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 0 hours

            TD: 8 p.m.

            Practical work: 3 hours

            Field: 7 a.m.

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            SPS: 0 hours

            Seminars: 0 hours

            Outside UM: 0 hours