Xiaofang Lin

Tropical Animal Medicine Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0017
Received: 08 Apr., 2024    Accepted: 19 May, 2024    Published: 10 Jun., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Lin X.F., 2024, Adaptive strategies of mammals to changing environments: insights from behavioral and physiological studies, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(3): 182-196 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0017)

Mammalian adaptation to changing environments is a critical area of study for understanding survival and evolutionary success. This study aims to explore the behavioral and physiological strategies mammals employ in response to environmental changes, emphasizing the importance of adaptation for species survival. This study establishes a theoretical framework by defining key concepts and reviewing relevant evolutionary theories; through a detailed examination, discusses behavioral adaptations such as migration patterns, social structures, and foraging strategies, alongside physiological adaptations including thermoregulation, water conservation, and reproductive strategies. The genetic basis of these adaptations is analyzed, highlighting the roles of genetic diversity, genomic studies, and epigenetic factors. Case studies of Arctic, desert, and urban mammals illustrate specific adaptive mechanisms. This study also investigates the impacts of climate change on mammalian adaptations, noting shifts in habitat, food availability, and reproductive success. Additionally, human influences such as habitat destruction, pollution, and conservation efforts are considered. This study concludes by identifying future research directions and gaps, emphasizing the need for emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to further understand mammalian adaptation. These insights are crucial for informing conservation strategies and ensuring the resilience of mammalian species in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

Mammalian adaptation; Behavioral strategies; Physiological mechanisms; Genetic diversity; Climate change impacts