The primary mission of the Library is to support the educational, research, and outreach objectives of the University by:
Its secondary mission is to provide the same services to residents of the Eastern Oklahoma region.
Library contact info:
John Vaughan Library (Tahlequah)
918-444-3235
NSU Broken Arrow Library
918-449-6459
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Environmental physiology is a branch of physiology that studies the physiological responses of organisms to their environment.
This field encompasses a wide range of topics, including the effects of temperature, humidity, altitude, radiation, and pollution on physiological processes. Environmental physiology is especially relevant in the context of global climate change, as organisms are being exposed to increasingly altered environments.
Environmental stressors can disrupt an organism's internal balance, or homeostasis, leading to physiological changes that can either be adaptive or maladaptive. For example, desert animals have adapted to extreme heat and water scarcity by having efficient mechanisms to conserve water and dissipate excess heat. Similarly, some bacteria have evolved to detoxify harmful pollutants such as heavy metals.
Research in environmental physiology has important implications for human health, as many diseases are influenced by environmental factors. Exposure to air pollution, for instance, has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the physiological responses of human populations to environmental stressors is critical for identifying vulnerable individuals and developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
As environmental challenges continue to emerge, the study of environmental physiology will become increasingly important. By gaining a deeper understanding of how organisms interact with their environment, we can develop more effective ways of mitigating the negative effects of environmental stressors and preserving the health of our planet and its inhabitants.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, or if you wish to set up an individual (one-on-one) consultation please use the information on the right to contact me (phone or email would be the best options). You can also do email reference or set up a research consultation by using the Ask a Librarian link below.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Students examine the physiological adaptations of organisms to their environments. Topics include metabolism, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, respiration, movement, and sensory physiology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1021 (Introductory Biology II) and BIOL 1023 (Introductory Biology II Lab).
Co-requisite: BIOL 3344L (Environmental Physiology Lab).
Here are some general links to resources you may find useful: