The general status of physiology is examined in a modern zoological context to provide a background for critically reviewing physiological studies on the Namib fauna. The review highlights several excellent studies but concludes that many physiological studies on the Namib fauna have been too fragmentary. The necessity for sound natural history research and ecophysiological studies in the future is emphasized. The excellent Research opportunities that exist in plant physiology, nitrogen cycling and the testing of various physiological hypotheses are also reviewed under the general title of recommended future research.