Animal physiology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of the functions and processes carried out by animals at the cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels. It encompasses the examination of how different organisms function in order to understand their capabilities, adaptability, and mechanisms of survival.
In this field, researchers investigate how animals acquire, process, and utilize energy; how they regulate their body temperature, metabolism, and growth; how they respond to stimuli and maintain internal balance or homeostasis; how they reproduce, develop, and age; and how they interact with their environment. Through the study of animal physiology, scientists aim to decipher the myriad of complex biological processes that occur within an organism and comprehend how they are interconnected.
The discipline of animal physiology employs various experimental techniques, such as dissection, microscopy, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, to investigate different aspects and systems of animal life. These studies span across a wide range of organisms, including vertebrates (such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish) and invertebrates (such as insects, worms, mollusks, and crustaceans).
Animal physiology plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of animal biology, providing insights into the functioning of both humans and non-human organisms. It serves as a foundation for various fields including medicine, pharmacology, veterinary sciences, and conservation biology, contributing to the development of treatments for human and animal diseases and informing conservation strategies to protect and manage animal species.
