Exploring links between physiology and ecology at macro-sales: The role of respiratory metabolism in insects

Article Abstract:

It is demonstrated that physiological ecology has been particularly concerned with several issues relating to species boundaries, but that there are many unanswered questions. Recent debates over processes underlying latitudinal body size patterns are used to warn against the conflation of patterns and processes acting at intraspecific and interspecific levels. It is also argued that respiratory metabolism and its spatio-temporal variation, as a measure of ATP cost, are significant in several explanations of macroecological patterns.

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Climatic variability and the evolution of insect freeze tolerance

Article Abstract:

Research examines the origin and role of freeze tolerance in insects and suggests it helps insets to survive very low temperatures and avoid desiccation in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere it produces ice nucleators in insects that help suvive cold snaps. Data indicate a parallel evolution of freeze tolerance amidst the climates of the hemispheres.

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Biological invasions in the Antarctic: Extent, impacts and implications

Article Abstract:

Biological invasions are one of the most significant threats to biodiversity, posing both a threat to individual species and also responsible for major changes to ecosystem functioning and structure. The extent and significance could increase due to the global environmental changes.

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