Exogenous and Endogenous Control of Swimming Activity in Astyanax mexicanus (Characidae, Pisces) by Direct Light Response and by a Circadian Oscillator II. Features of Time-Controlled Behaviour of a Cave Population and their Comparison to a Epigean Ancestral Form

1982 ◽  
Vol 37 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1266-1273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilhelmine Erckens ◽  
Wolfgang Martin
Keyword(s):  
Surface Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Light Response ◽  
Swimming Activity ◽  
Period Length ◽  
Circadian Oscillator ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Control Activity ◽  
Astyanax Mexicanus ◽  
River Fish

Abstract 1. The swimming activity of 6 specimens of the Pachon cave form of Astyanax mexicanus was tested with regard to its time control under various light-dark(LD)cycles and constant conditions, and it is compared to that of a river form. 2. In general, activity is entrainable by all applied LDs, but even if the amplitude of a forcing signal increases the signal energies are lower than in the river fish. 3. In case of entrainment the maximum values of surface activity correspond to the dark phases, those of bottom activity to the light phases of a LD. Flexible patterns -as often observed in the river form in the range of resonance about 24 h - are very seldom. Furthermore, disturbances of­ ten occur in the entrainment of one activity form, or one form runs arrhythmic while the other is still entrained. 4. The activity answers to changing environmental conditions are not as uniformly quick as in the river fish. But the system hardly needs a swing-in time to become entrained when a LD starts. 5. After transition from LD to DD (= constant darkness) the entrained rhythms disappear immediately. 6. In no LD with a period length differing from 24 h a circadian rhythm can be observed in addition to the entrained frequency. 7. These results show that the passive system of the river form has developped into an extremely passive one being unable to oscillate and thus has become simplified during regressive evolution. Concerning the circadian oscillator of the epigean ancestor, it was also subjected to regression, but it has not been completely lost. After a LD with a period length about 24 h the circadian oscillator is able to act as a stable system, clearly shown by the freerunning circadian rhythms of surface activity. But out of this range the oscillator is unable to control activity. In DD after all other LDs activity patterns are arrhythmic.

Exogenous and Endogenous Control of Swimming Activity in Astyanax mexicanus (Characidae, Pisces) by Direct Light Response and by a Circadian Oscillator I. Analyses of the Time-Control Systems of an Epigean River Population

1982 ◽  
Vol 37 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1253-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilhelmine Erckens ◽  
Wolfgang Martin
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Surface Activity ◽  
Phase Relation ◽  
Total Activity ◽  
Swimming Activity ◽  
Circadian Oscillator ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
River Population ◽  
Astyanax Mexicanus ◽  
Time Control

Abstract 1. The swimming activity of 6 specimens of an Astyanax mexicanus' river population was tested with regard to its time control under various light-dark(LD)cycles and under constant conditions. 2. Activity is classified into three different forms according to the special experimental arrangement: surface activity, bottom activity and the sum of both (total activity). 3. All applied LD-cycles act as socalled forcing signals (Zeitgeber) and entrain the activity. 4. The maximum values of surface activity correspond to the dark phases of a LD-cycle, those of bottom activity to the light phases. This inversity causes a less strong entrainment of the total activity up to a loss of a significant oscillation in extreme cases. 5. This inverse pattern is kept the more stronger the more the period length of a LD deviates from 24 h. In the range of resonance about 24 h there is a greater flexibility with regard to the phase relation of the maximum values. 6. Activity reacts very sensitive to the differential parameter of the forcing signal. Therefore, no phaseangle difference occurs between forcing and forced signal. Moreover, the system needs no swing-in time to become entrained when starting a LD. 7. After transition from LD to DD (= constant darkness) the forced signal does not die away immediately, but damps out within one or a few cycles with decreasing amplitude and unchanged frequency. 8. In nearly all applied LDs a non-synchronized circadian rhythm can be observed in addition to the entrained frequency, which is dominant. 9. Also, in DD a freerunning circadian rhythm is detectable. 10. We suggest the model that first a passive system with a nearly unlimited range of entrainment controls activity. In contrary to extremely passive systems, it is able to oscillate. Moreover, it acts like a linear system with respect to frequency transfer: In the tested cases, output and input frequency are equal. In addition, activity is under control of an endogenous circadian oscillator. Its effects are overlapped under forcing conditions, but they become obvious under constant conditions. Furthermore, nonstationary processes are features of this circadian rhythm. The proper­ ties of a passive and a circadian system alone do not explain the flexible patterns in the range of resonance. Therefore, a time-dependent controller is demanded to control the phase relation of the maxima.

scholarly journals rdgE: A Novel Retinal Degeneration Mutation in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 144 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-138
Author(s):  
Troy Zars ◽  
David R Hyde
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Retinal Degeneration ◽  
Light Response ◽  
Neuronal Membrane ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Multivesicular Bodies ◽  
Photoreceptor Degeneration ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Phototransduction Cascade ◽  
Membrane Biosynthesis

Abstract We report isolating the Drosophila retinal degeneration E (rdgE) mutation. The hypomorphic rdgE  1 allele causes rapid photoreceptor degeneration in light and a slower rate of degeneration when the flies are raised in constant darkness. The rdgE  1 flies exhibited an electrophysiological light response that decreased with age, coinciding with the degeneration. This suggests that degeneration caused the loss of the light response. We determined that the ninaE (rhodopsin) mutation, but not norpA [phospholipase C (PLC)], slowed the rdgE-dependent degeneration. This was consistent with the light-enhanced degeneration, but revealed that the degeneration is independent of the PLC-mediated phototransduction cascade. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that rdgE  1 photoreceptors exhibited a number of vesicular transport defects including unpacking/vesiculation of rhabdomeres, endocytosis of novel vesicles by photoreceptors, a buildup of very large multivesicular bodies, and an increased amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum. We determined that the rdgE null phenotype is a late embryonic lethality. Therefore, rdgE  + is required in cells outside of the retina, quite possibly in a large number of neurons. Thus, rdgE may define a mutational class that exhibits both light-enhanced retinal degeneration and a recessive null lethality by perturbing neuronal membrane biosynthesis and/or recycling.

Disrupted circadian rhythms in VIP- and PHI-deficient mice

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (5) ◽  
pp. R939-R949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher S. Colwell ◽  
Stephan Michel ◽  
Jason Itri ◽  
Williams Rodriguez ◽  
J. Tam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Wheel Running ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Diurnal Rhythms ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Light Cycle ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Deficient Mice

The related neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) are expressed at high levels in the neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), but their function in the regulation of circadian rhythms is unknown. To study the role of these peptides on the circadian system in vivo, a new mouse model was developed in which both VIP and PHI genes were disrupted by homologous recombination. In a light-dark cycle, these mice exhibited diurnal rhythms in activity which were largely indistinguishable from wild-type controls. In constant darkness, the VIP/PHI-deficient mice exhibited pronounced abnormalities in their circadian system. The activity patterns started ∼8 h earlier than predicted by the previous light cycle. In addition, lack of VIP/PHI led to a shortened free-running period and a loss of the coherence and precision of the circadian locomotor activity rhythm. In about one-quarter of VIP/PHI mice examined, the wheel-running rhythm became arrhythmic after several weeks in constant darkness. Another striking example of these deficits is seen in the split-activity patterns expressed by the mutant mice when they were exposed to a skeleton photoperiod. In addition, the VIP/PHI-deficient mice exhibited deficits in the response of their circadian system to light. Electrophysiological analysis indicates that VIP enhances inhibitory synaptic transmission within the SCN of wild-type and VIP/PHI-deficient mice. Together, the observations suggest that VIP/PHI peptides are critically involved in both the generation of circadian oscillations as well as the normal synchronization of these rhythms to light.

Monitoring respiration and activity in the spider Geolycosa domifex (Hancock) using time-lapse television and CO2 gas analysis

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 843-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. M. Culik ◽  
D. J. McQueen
Keyword(s):  
Surface Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Gas Analysis ◽  
Wolf Spiders ◽  
Co2 Gas ◽  
Respiration Rates ◽  
Field Activity ◽  
Vertical Activity ◽  
Burrow Activity

The activities of individual burrowing wolf spiders were continuously recorded with time-lapse television and respiration rates were simultaneously recorded. Five categories of activity and rest were differentiated and it was found that resting rates on the surface of the burrow and in the burrow were indistinguishable and similar to measures recorded in other studies. On average, in-burrow activity required 55% more energy than resting, surface activity required 220% more energy, and vertical activity (moving up the burrow) required 1780% more energy than resting. These data were analyzed with respect to the periodicity of activity patterns observed in the field and it was found that respiration rates that relate to periods of field activity are 40% higher than rates recorded for spiders assumed to be at rest.

scholarly journals Day and night in the subterranean: measuring daily activity patterns of subterranean rodents (Ctenomys aff. knighti) using bio-logging

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milene G Jannetti ◽  
C Loren Buck ◽  
Veronica S Valentinuzzi ◽  
Gisele A Oda
Keyword(s):  
Daily Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Total Duration ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Subterranean Rodents ◽  
Monte Desert ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Desert Rodents

Abstract While most studies of the impacts of climate change have investigated shifts in the spatial distribution of organisms, temporal shifts in the time of activity is another important adjustment made by animals in a changing world. Due to the importance of light and temperature cycles in shaping activity patterns, studies of activity patterns of organisms that inhabit extreme environments with respect to the 24-hour cyclicity of Earth have the potential to provide important insights into the interrelationships among abiotic variables, behaviour and physiology. Our previous laboratory studies with Argentinean tuco-tucos from the Monte desert (Ctenomys aff. knighti) show that these subterranean rodents display circadian activity/rest rhythms that can be synchronized by artificial light/dark cycles. Direct observations indicate that tuco-tucos emerge mainly for foraging and for removal of soil from their burrows. Here we used bio-logging devices for individual, long-term recording of daily activity/rest (accelerometry) and time on surface (light-loggers) of six tuco-tucos maintained in outdoor semi-natural enclosures. Environmental variables were measured simultaneously. Activity bouts were detected both during day and night but 77% of the highest values happened during the daytime and 47% of them coincided with time on surface. Statistical analyses indicate time of day and temperature as the main environmental factors modulating time on surface. In this context, the total duration that these subterranean animals spent on surface was high during the winter, averaging 3 h per day and time on surface occurred when underground temperature was lowest. Finally, transport of these animals to the indoor laboratory and subsequent assessment of their activity rhythms under constant darkness revealed a switch in the timing of activity. Plasticity of activity timing is not uncommon among desert rodents and may be adaptive in changing environments, such as the desert where this species lives.

scholarly journals Activity patterns of South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

2006 ◽  
Vol 66 (2a) ◽  
pp. 565-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. H. Schulz ◽  
C. Leuchtenberger
Keyword(s):  
Woody Debris ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Swimming Activity ◽  
Fish Length ◽  
South American ◽  
Silver Catfish ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Rhamdia Quelen ◽  
Lakes And Reservoirs ◽  
The Mean

The South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) is a widely distributed species in Central and South America in areas east of the Andes between Venezuela and the northern parts of Argentina. The bottom dwelling species occurs in lakes and reservoirs as well as in rivers. Between June 2000 and December 2001, sixteen silver catfish were tracked during fourteen 24-h cycles in two-hour-intervals, with the aim of investigating daily movements and habitat use. Covered distances varied between 0 m/2 h and 326 m/2 h and the mean distance covered in 2 h was 25.6 m. The mean activity of individual silver catfish varied between 5.6 m/2 h and 81.4 m/2 h. The swimming activity was linearly related to the total fish length. The highest mean swimming activity occurred in the morning and at nightfall. Silver catfish concentrated in three areas of frequent use. All of them were characterized by steep banks providing shelter in the form of rip-rap or large woody debris. Vertically, silver catfish preferred the upper 2 m layer where tracked fish encountered higher temperatures and higher dissolved oxygen concentrations.

Latitude Dependent Circadian Rhythms of Carabid Beetles

1986 ◽  
Vol 41 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 935-945
Author(s):  
Gisela Leyk ◽  
Wolfgang Martin
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Spectrum Estimation ◽  
Program System ◽  
Central European ◽  
Light Pulses ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Periodogram Analysis

Abstract Comparative studies of circadian activity rhythms were performed with three stocks of the species Pterostichus rhaeticus Heer (from Southern Europe, Central Europe, and the Subarctic) and with one Central European stock of the sibling species Pterostichus nigrita Paykull. The hehaviour was investigated in various LD conditions, constant conditions including LL with changes of the illumination intensity and constant darkness with light pulses. The data were analysed with the program system “Timesdia” containing various techniques like power spectrum estimation, periodogram analysis and complex demodulation. This allowed to reveal the time course of rhythms and to determine the number of phase jumps as a measure for precision. With the help of these methods, the activity patterns are classified in different types of behaviour: synchronization, temporarily synchronization, aperiodic behaviour, free run, temporarily free run, relative entrainment, and relative coordination. Besides graduated differences between the populations in south-to-north direction (e.g. in the tendency to rhythmic behaviour) the analysis revealed splitting of rhythms into two or even three components of different frequencies and transitions from rhythmic to aperiodic behaviour or vice versa after arbitrarily chosen light pulses in constant darkness. This behaviour cannot be explained by a system which is composed of one single limit cycle oscillator, but the results rather support a multi-oscillator model.

Surface activity patterns of macrofauna on pocket, tidal beaches: Insights into the role of wrack and artificial lighting

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 63-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Fanini ◽  
Lauren E. Hughes ◽  
Roger Springthorpe ◽  
Louise Tosetto ◽  
Jim K. Lowry
Keyword(s):  
Surface Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Artificial Lighting

Seasonal activity patterns and behaviour of juliform millipedes in south-eastern Botswana

1992 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Mark Dangerfield ◽  
Alice E. Milner ◽  
Reba Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Surface Activity ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
Rainfall Events ◽  
Mating Patterns ◽  
Weak Activity ◽  
Tree Leaf ◽  
Semi Arid

ABSTRACTThe seasonal patterns of surface activity and behaviour were recorded for three species of juliform millipede in a savanna habitat in south-east Botswana. Initially, surface activity followed rainfall events but this association weakened as the season progressed and, although significant, the correlation between the magnitude of rainfall events and activity was weak. Activity also occurred on moist, relatively cool and cloudy days, particularly in Alloporus uncinatus which was much larger than the other species. The onset and duration of surface activity varied between species. Observations of feeding behaviour suggested that millipedes in semi-arid savannas did not subsist exclusively on tree leaf litter but appeared to select a range of food types. Mobility is necessary to obtain these patchy resources but differences between the sexes in patterns of behaviour are more likely related to the mating patterns of these species.

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