Comparative Mechanisms of Cold Adaptation

Comparative Mechanisms of Cold Adaptation covers the proceedings of a symposium held at the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory in Barrow, Alaska in 1975 and 1976. The said symposium discusses the mechanisms of cold adaptation according to experts from different fields. The book covers topics related to cold adaptation, such as energy acquisition and utilization; mechanisms of thermal tolerance; the physiology and requirements of hibernation; and the role of neural inputs in cold adaptation. Topics also include cold-induced enzymatic adjustments; cold-induced responses in ectotherms and homeotherms; hormonal mechanisms; and plant adaptation to low temperatures. The text is recommended for biologists who would like to understand better the different mechanisms involved in cold adaptation and the importance of its study.

Contents

Contributors

Preface

I. Energy Acquisition and Utilization

II. Nutrient Acquisition and Utilization in Arctic Herbivores

III. Mechanisms of Thermal Tolerance

Discussion

The Role of Neural Inputs and Their Processing in Cold Adaptation

Discussion

Mechanisms ofThermal Tolerance in Non-Hibernating Endotherms

IV. Cold-Induced Enzymatic Adjustments in Ectotherms and Homeotherms

Discussion

Special Enzymatic Mechanisms of Cold Adaptations

V. Hormonal Mechanisms

Discussion

The Role of Hormones in the Responses of Homeotherms to Cold

Discussion

Importance of Studies on Resistance to Low Temperature

VI. A Modeling Approach to Understanding Plant Adaptation to Low Temperatures

VII. Nutrient Uptake and Utilization by Tundra Plants

VIII. Mechanisms of Thermal Tolerance

Discussion

Water in Plants: The Phenomenon ofFrost Survival

IX. Metabolic and Enzymatic Adaptations to Low Temperature

Discussion

Whole Plant Gas Exchange and Acclimation in Lichens

X. Prospects ofHormonal Mechanisms in Cald Adaptations of Arctic Plant

XI. Research Support Facilities above the Arctic Circle

XII. Future Trends in Cold Adaptation Research

Index