CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OF EXTRARETINAL PHOTOSENSITIVITY IN HATCHLING ALLIGATORS, ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS |
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| Authors: | Martin Kavaliers |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Zoology and Entomology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. CO 80523. U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | Hatchling American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis , display a diel rhythm of extra-retinal (non-pineal) photosensitivity. There is a bimodal pattern in the threshold fluence rate required for initiating and effecting extra-retinally-mediated phototaclic responses. Significantly greater threshold fluence rates are required in the photophase than the scotophasc of a 12 h light: 12 h dark cycle. Under constant darkness there continues an endogenous, apparently circadian rhythm of extra-retinal photosensitivity. In all cases there is a significantly greater photosensitivity at lower temperatures. |
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