ENTOM 3800

Animal Thermal Biology

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Whether hot or cold, temperature has a pervasive impact on animals. This class will roam across biophysics, physiology, energetics, ecology, and evolution to show how and why temperature is so important. We will compare endotherms and ectotherms, learn how animals regulate their body temperatures, how they respond to extreme environmental temperatures, and how evolution has shaped thermal biology. We will explore how temperature shapes animal distributions and responses to anthropogenic disturbance and changing climates. Examples will range from polar fishes to livestock, and from tiny insects to the largest dinosaurs.

Prerequisites BIOG 1440 or BIOG 1445 or permission of instructor.

Distribution Requirements (BSC-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Explain why temperature affects animals at biochemical, cellular, and organismal levels.
• Interpret physiological data and integrate physical principles to identify animals’ thermal strategies.
• Synthesize and communicate a scientific concept based on the literature.
• Design an experiment to test an hypothesis in thermal biology.

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