Daily and Seasonal Timing Circadian and Circannual Clocks in Living Things Daily and Seasonal Timing
Many Living Things Have a Internal Clocks DAILY SEASONAL Regulates daily cycle of activities Regulates seasonal changes in gene expression and behavior
Circadian Rhythm are Endogenous Occur internally- do not require environmental cues BUT can be altered by environmental cues
Under Genetic Control We have genes that control these rhythms But environment can change gene expression
Evolutionary Adaptations Daily and seasonal changes are genetic characteristics that have evolved because their presence is advantageous Natural selection has favored these traits
Circadian Rhythms in Plants Change in leaf orientation Opening of stomata – pores in the leaf Opening of flowers and release of fragrance
Observations of Plants Leaves happened at nearly same time every day, even on cloudy days BUT artificial light at different times confuses the plant’s internal clock
Circadian Rhythm in Animals Closely tied to sleep-wake cycle
Why You’re Stressed in the Morning
Light Might Inhibit Melatonin Release Melatonin thought to control sleep urges Concerns artificial lights prevent melatonin release and keep people awake
Seasonal Clocks Affect gene expression Control things like: Shedding of coats Reproduction Hibernation Migration
Photoperiodism in Plants Plants measure length of night Certain night length triggers flowering
How? Light changes structure of phytochrome protein Longer the darkness, the more Pr there is
Short Day vs. Long Day Plants Flower in spring/summer
In Animals Light absorption by the eye triggers change in gene expression Thought to be mediated by melatonin
Shedding of Coats or Changing of Color Arctic Wolf in Summer Arctic Wolf in Winter
Seasonal Reproduction Many species only reproduce in spring or summer When more food (energy) is abundant
Ex. How Seasons Affect Reproduction in Animals
Hibernation Helps conserve energy when little food available
Migration Changes in light trigger hormone changes As there’s less light birds build up fat for journey BUT also occurs in birds in captivity with consistent light sources BUT reducing light brings about changes in behavior