Animal physiology is the study of how animals function and adapt to their environment. This field of research focuses on understanding the biological processes and mechanisms that allow animals to survive, grow, and reproduce. Key areas of study within animal physiology include metabolism, respiration, circulation, digestion, and reproduction. Researchers in this field may study a wide range of animal species, from insects and fish to mammals and birds, in order to gain insights into the ways in which animals have evolved to meet the challenges of their environments. Animal physiology research can have important implications for areas such as conservation biology, veterinary medicine, and human health.