International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 182-196 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 182 Feature Review Open Access Adaptive Strategies of Mammals to Changing Environments: Insights from Behavioral and Physiological Studies Xiaofang Lin Tropical Animal Medicine Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding email: xiaofang.lin@hitar.org 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 Copyright © 2024 Lin, 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. Preferred citation for this article: 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) Abstract 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. Keywords Mammalian adaptation, Behavioral strategies, Physiological mechanisms, Genetic diversity, Climate change impacts 1 Introduction Mammals exhibit a remarkable ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions, from the frigid Arctic to the arid deserts. These adaptations are crucial for their survival and are driven by both behavioral and physiological changes. For instance, large terrestrial mammals face significant challenges due to climate change, which affects their thermal and water stress levels. They adapt through behavioral modifications such as nocturnal foraging and selecting cooler microclimates, as well as physiological responses like adjusting body temperature regulation (Fuller et al., 2016). Similarly, polar mammals have evolved strategies to cope with extreme cold, food scarcity, and seasonal light variations, including huddling, building shelters, and adjusting their insulation and circulatory systems (Blix, 2016). Urban mammals, on the other hand, demonstrate behavioral changes such as altered home ranges and increased nocturnal activity to adapt to the pressures of urbanization (Ritzel and Gallo, 2020). Understanding the adaptive strategies of mammals is critical for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into how species can survive and thrive in changing environments, which is particularly relevant in the context of rapid climate change. For example, the ability of large mammals to prioritize competing homeostatic systems in response to environmental changes can have significant implications for their fitness and survival (Fuller et al., 2016). Secondly, studying these adaptations can inform conservation efforts, especially in urban areas where human-wildlife conflicts are prevalent. Identifying the traits that enable certain species to adapt to urban environments can help design wildlife-friendly urban spaces (Santini et al., 2018). Additionally, understanding the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying these adaptations, such as those seen in hypoxia-tolerant mammals, can contribute to broader biological and medical research (Li et al., 2021a; Li et al., 2021b). This study aims to explore the adaptive strategies of mammals in response to changing environments, focusing on both behavioral and physiological adaptations. By examining a range of species and environmental contexts, from
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