Jan 01 2001 - Physiology Web Site

Why Avian Physiology ?

The Indian Journal of Classical Ornithology & Avian Physiology, PAVO, 39, Nos. 1& 2, pp 1 to 24, 2001

By J.C. George
Department of Zoology , University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
Fax: (519) 767-1656; email: jgeorge@uoguelph.ca

Dedicated to the memory of Roy C. Anderson (1926-2001), an eminent wildlife parasitologist, admirable collegue and a dear friend, who has received his training in ornithology under William Rowan (1892-1957), a torch-bearer of avian physiology.

ABSTRACT

The present essay recounts some of the major contributions of avian physioliogy to our knowledge of the basic mechanisms of life processes. Mechanisms of energy metabolism, metabolic and neuro-endocrine regulation, thermoregulation, and of biorhythms and reproduction have been elucidated in investigations using birds or avian tissues. Avian studies have contributed substantially to the development of behavioural endocrinology. Birds have also served as bioindicators of environmental pollution. Furthermore, in view of the fact that the core body temperatures of birds range above the mammalian range and also that the range in pH of the contents of the entire digestive tract of birds is acidic unlike that in mammals, avain physiology offers unique avenues to parisitologies for the study of the physiology of the physiology of endoparasites and the host-parasite relationship.

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