Professor: Marisa King

4.00 credits

• CRN 32268: Monday & Wednesday, 4:00-5:20 PM @ CHA 202

This course explores the physiological and behavioral adaptations that allow vertebrates to survive and thrive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth. From arid deserts and frozen tundra to high-altitude peaks and the depths of the oceans, students will explore how vertebrates meet the challenges of extreme temperatures, oxygen scarcity, water limitations, and other environmental stressors. Through lecture, field work, and case studies, students will explore topics that include thermoregulation, osmoregulation, energy metabolism, and the unique adaptations of species such as polar bears, camels, high-altitude birds, and deep-sea fishes. By combining evolutionary and ecological perspectives, the course highlights the interconnectedness of physiology, environment, and survival.