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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
07:54
Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
Coadaptation: a unifying principle in evolutionary thermal biology
Michael J Angilletta1, Albert F Bennett, Helga Guderley
1Department of Ecology and Organismal Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809, USA. m-angilletta@indstate.edu
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ
|March 24, 2006
Summary
Thermal biology now integrates behavior, physiology, and evolution. Developing a quantitative theory of coadaptation is crucial for predicting organismal responses to thermal environments and biotic interactions.
Area of Science:
- Integrative biology
- Thermal biology
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Thermal biology has evolved from a physiological focus to an integrated discipline encompassing behavior, physiology, ecology, and evolution.
- Current research examines temperature response mechanisms from genetic to organismal levels.
- A theory of thermal adaptation has emerged, explaining thermoregulation, thermal sensitivity, and acclimation evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and integrate current models in thermal biology.
- To develop a conceptual model of coadaptation.
- To advocate for a quantitative theory of coadaptation for predicting evolutionary strategies in thermal environments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing models in thermal biology.
- Conceptual modeling of coadaptation.
- Integration of physiological, behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
Main Results:
- A conceptual model of coadaptation is proposed.
- The limitations of simply combining current models for understanding thermal heterogeneity responses are highlighted.
- The necessity of incorporating biotic interactions into coadaptation theory is emphasized.
Conclusions:
- A quantitative theory of coadaptation is essential for predicting evolutionary strategies in diverse thermal environments.
- Understanding organismal responses to thermal heterogeneity requires considering biotic interactions.
- Future research must address the challenges in developing a comprehensive theory of coadaptation to predict community-level consequences of climate change.
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