Chapter 1 - The importance of avian physiology

Abstract

The 20th century saw many revolutionary advances in the biological sciences. In 100years, biology progressed from cataloging and describing species to sequencing the human genome. Along the way, astounding advances were made in cell and molecular biology, biomechanics, physiology, theoretical ecology, genetics, behavioral neurobiology, etc. These and other areas of the biological sciences continue to develop with Aves an important model group for links between environment and gene expression. Environmental change including degradation, population, public health, food and energy production, education, and especially the public's understanding of science and technology are some of the most critical issues facing science and society. All of these pertain to biology. Technology and basic research in biological sciences have the potential to address the above issues, but they cannot be understood along traditional disciplinary lines. One enormous hurdle awaits 21st century biological research: how to integrate our knowledge of biology at all levels so we can pave the way for a deeper and broader understanding of how life on this planet works? This will also entail how to feed a still burgeoning population and educate future generations of undergraduates while conserving as much of the natural world as possible? If this were not enough, we must also deal with potentially catastrophic environmental problems resulting from climate change.