Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems worldwide, impacting the behavior and physiology of marine mammals. This thesis investigates the effects of climate change on marine mammal populations, focusing on changes in behavior and physiological adaptations in response to shifting environmental conditions. The study explores the current state of knowledge on the subject through an extensive literature review, examining how climate change influences the behavior and physiology of marine mammals. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review, analyzing ten key studies that address the impact of climate change on marine mammal behavior and physiology. The review synthesizes existing research to identify trends, knowledge gaps, and areas for further investigation. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, detailing the study design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. The methodology aims to provide a robust framework for investigating the effects of climate change on marine mammal behavior and physiology. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the study, discussing the observed changes in behavior and physiological adaptations of marine mammals in response to climate change. The results highlight the complex interactions between marine mammal populations and changing environmental conditions, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Chapter 5 offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, implications for marine mammal conservation, and recommendations for future research. Overall, this thesis contributes to our understanding of how climate change influences the behavior and physiology of marine mammals and underscores the importance of proactive conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species in a rapidly changing world.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Impact of Climate Change on the Behavior and Physiology of Marine Mammals" aims to investigate the effects of climate change on marine mammals, specifically focusing on their behavior and physiology. The study will explore how shifts in environmental conditions, such as temperature changes and ocean acidification, are influencing the behavior patterns and physiological processes of marine mammals. Understanding these impacts is crucial as marine mammals play vital roles in marine ecosystems and are often considered key indicators of environmental change. By examining how climate change is affecting their behavior and physiology, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into the broader ecological consequences of climate change on marine ecosystems. The research will involve a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on the topic, including research on the behavior and physiology of different marine mammal species and their responses to environmental changes. The study will also incorporate field observations and data collection to analyze the current behavior and physiological status of marine mammals in different ocean regions. Through this research, we aim to address key questions such as how marine mammals are adapting to changing environmental conditions, what specific behavioral changes are occurring, and how these changes are impacting their overall health and fitness. Additionally, the project will investigate the potential long-term implications of these changes on marine mammal populations and their ecosystems. Ultimately, this research overview highlights the importance of understanding the effects of climate change on marine mammals to inform conservation efforts and ecosystem management strategies. By shedding light on the complex interactions between climate change, behavior, and physiology in marine mammals, this study aims to contribute to the broader scientific knowledge on the impacts of environmental change on marine ecosystems.