What is animal physiology primarily concerned with?

Animal physiology is primarily focused on understanding how various biological structures within animals enable them to function effectively within their environments. This field examines the relationships between anatomy and physiology, illustrating how the physical makeup of organisms influences their biological processes—such as movement, respiration, circulation, and reproduction.

For instance, the design of the circulatory system affects how efficiently oxygen is transported throughout the body, and the structure of the respiratory system determines how gas exchange occurs. By studying these links, animal physiology provides insights into the mechanisms that allow animals to survive, adapt, and thrive in varying conditions.

While chemical reactions within animals are an important aspect of physiology, they are typically studied in the context of how they relate to broader physiological processes. The genetic lineage of animals is more in the realm of evolutionary biology and does not focus on immediate functional attributes. Lastly, migratory patterns, although fascinating and important for understanding animal behavior and ecology, are not the primary concern of animal physiology since they pertain more to animal behavior than to the physiological processes that support survival and function.