International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 182-196 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 183 polar regions to urban areas, this study seeks to identify common patterns and unique adaptations that enable mammals to cope with environmental stressors. The scope includes a review of existing literature on mammalian adaptations to climate change, urbanization, and hypoxia, as well as an analysis of the genetic and physiological mechanisms involved. Through this comprehensive approach, this study hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of mammalian resilience and inform future conservation and management strategies. 2 Theoretical Framework 2.1 Definitions and concepts in adaptation and survival Adaptation in mammals refers to the process by which species undergo changes in their behavior, physiology, and morphology to better survive and reproduce in their changing environments. This can involve genetic changes, phenotypic plasticity, and behavioral modifications (Trubenová et al., 2019). For instance, gene losses have been identified as a significant factor in the adaptive evolution of mammals, contributing to various morphological, physiological, and metabolic adaptations (Sharma et al., 2018). Additionally, behavioral flexibility, such as increased risk-taking and exploration in urban environments, has been observed in non-commensal rodents, indicating a potential adaptive response to human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC) (Mazza et al., 2020). 2.2 Evolutionary theories relevant to mammalian adaptation Several evolutionary theories provide a framework for understanding mammalian adaptation. The concept of adaptive plasticity suggests that organisms can develop flexible strategies to cope with environmental stressors, which may be crucial for survival and reproduction under adverse conditions (Ellis and Giudice, 2019). The Price equation, a fundamental theorem in evolutionary biology, helps in understanding how both genetic and non-genetic inheritance contribute to adaptive evolution (Edelaar et al., 2022). Moreover, the idea of distributed adaptation posits that adaptive information can be stored at the population level rather than within individual organisms, highlighting the role of population structure in adaptation (Lamm and Kolodny, 2020). 2.3 Methodologies for studying behavioral and physiological adaptations To study behavioral and physiological adaptations in mammals, researchers employ a variety of methodologies. Comparative genomics approaches are used to detect gene losses and understand their role in adaptive evolution (Sharma et al., 2018). Meta-analyses of phenotypic trait changes, particularly in response to climate change, help assess whether these changes are adaptive (Radchuk et al., 2019). Experimental evolution, involving controlled environmental conditions and lineage tracking, provides insights into how different environmental complexities influence adaptive processes (Boyer et al., 2021). Additionally, capturing and studying animals from different environments under common conditions allows researchers to distinguish between genetic adaptations and phenotypic plasticity. 3 Behavioral Adaptations to Environmental Changes 3.1 Migration patterns and seasonal behaviors Migration is a critical adaptive strategy for many mammalian species, allowing them to exploit seasonal resources and avoid unfavorable conditions. For instance, the study on the resilience of migratory behaviors in dynamic environments highlights the role of sociality and cognitive processes such as spatial memory and learning in maintaining and adapting migratory behaviors to changing environmental conditions (Gurarie et al., 2021). Additionally, the movement patterns of large grazing herbivores like the blue wildebeest demonstrate how these animals adjust their migration and foraging behaviors in response to seasonal variations in resource availability and predation risk (Martin et al., 2015). These findings underscore the importance of both social and individual cognitive mechanisms in facilitating adaptive migration strategies. 3.2 Social structure and cooperative behaviors Social structures and cooperative behaviors are essential for the survival and adaptation of many mammalian species in changing environments (Shukla et al., 2021). Urban mammals, for example, exhibit significant behavioral changes, including increased nocturnal activity and altered social interactions, to cope with the challenges of urbanization (Ritzel and Gallo, 2020). Similarly, the study on non-commensal rodents in urban
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