Physiological Ecology (ECOL 4240)

Fall 2026

Physiological ecology examines how physiological mechanisms shape ecological patterns and dynamics. This course surveys relevant processes across the tree of life, from plants to microbes to animals, covering energy budgets, photosynthesis, respiration, water and nutrient use, and growth, and how they scale up to the biosphere. We will develop a firm foundation in physiological principles and use it to engage with current ecological research.

Course Topics

• Overview and fundamental physiological principles
• Plant physiological ecology: photosynthesis, respiration, growth and carbon allocation, stomatal conductance, water relations, and nutrient use
• Microbial physiological ecology: metabolic diversity and energetics, growth, environmental responses, and the role of microbial physiology in biogeochemical cycling
• Animal physiological ecology: energy budget, thermal regulation, nutrients, toxins, and adaptation
• Biospheric physiological ecology: physiological ecology in the context of global change; biosphere resilience; Earth as a self-regulating superorganism