ECOPHY

Ecophysiology and global changes

The Ecophy team studies how animals respond to environmental stressors (climate change, habitat degradation, pollution). To do this, physiology must be integrated. Indeed, the link between the environment (e.g. climate) and ecological responses (e.g. timing of reproduction) involves physiological processes, such as hormones. Hormones whose proper functioning can be altered by contaminants (endocrine disruptors). Another example: the study of energy requirements (metabolism) makes it possible to predict the future distribution of species in the context of climate change. Our laboratory experiments (manipulation of temperature, hygrometry, exposure to contaminants) are based on numerous devices (climatic and metabolic chambers), on the skills of the biological analysis service and are coupled with population monitoring in the field. The models (reptiles, amphibians and birds) cover the main metabolic orientations of vertebrates (ectothermic-endothermic), in various environments (temperate, tropical, polar).