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  • © 1989

Advances in Comparative and Environmental Physiology

Animal Adaptation to Cold

Part of the book series: Advances in Comparative and Environmental Physiology (COMPARATIVE, volume 4)

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Table of contents (11 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XIII
  2. Freeze Tolerance and Freeze Avoidance in Ectotherms

    • K. B. Storey, J. M. Storey
    Pages 51-82
  3. Neurophysiological Aspects of Thermoregulation

    • J. A. Boulant, M. C. Curras, J. B. Dean
    Pages 117-160
  4. Neurochemical Aspects of Thermoregulation

    • R. D. Myers, T. F. Lee
    Pages 161-203
  5. Avian Adjustments to Cold

    • R. L. Marsh, W. R. Dawson
    Pages 205-253
  6. Aquatic Mammals in Cold

    • R. A. MacArthur
    Pages 289-325
  7. Terrestrial Mammals in Cold

    • D. D. Feist, R. G. White
    Pages 327-360
  8. Cold, Energetics, and Populations

    • D. M. Lavigne, R. J. Brooks, D. A. Rosen, D. A. Galbraith
    Pages 403-432
  9. Back Matter

    Pages 433-441

About this book

When survival is challenged by the cold, animals react by employing both behavioral and physiological solutions. Depending on the magni­ tude of the cold stress and the nature of the adjustment, simple avoidance or sophisticated capacity or resistance compensations may be used. Thus, migration, shelter seeking, metabolic and insulative compen­ sation, torpor, and freezing avoidance and tolerance are successful tac­ tics used by diverse groups of animals. To understand and appreciate the benefits of these tactics, it is necessary to examine not only the well being of the whole animal but also their basic underlying mechanisms. In ad­ dition, it is also of fundamental importance to grasp how seasonal cold affects the survivorship and reproductive success of populations when confronted by a general reduction in primary productivity and an elevated energy cost for maintenance (e. g. in endotherms). In this regard, a synthetic overview which integrates aspects of cell biology, biochem­ istry, physiology, neurobiology, behavior, and population biology should be a fruitful approach in providing a holistic understanding on how animals adapt to cold. The present volume is an attempt to achieve such an overview; its objective is to provide a depth and breadth of coverage that is essential to a full appreciation of animal adaptation to cold. It is the hope of the contributing authors that this book will serve as an effective reference text for all senior undergraduate and graduate students as well as research scientists with an interest in cold physiology.

Editors and Affiliations

  • Department of Zoology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

    Lawrence C. H. Wang

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access