Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in captive birds and mammals: Their variations with season and latitude

  • Published:
Oecologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

  1. 1.

    The seasonal variations in time of daily onset and end of locomotor activity are described for 3 species of mammals and 5 species of birds kept in captivity at the arctic circle and at lower latitude. These variations are most pronounced at high latitude.

  2. 2.

    The duration of daily activity plotted versus the photoperiod can be described as an S-curve in all species studied so far, both in nature and in captivity. In both male and female fringillid birds activity times were longer before the summer solstice (spring) than after the summer solstice at equal photoperiods.

  3. 3.

    The seasonal changes in activity time result from roughly mirror-image changes in the times of onset and end of activity relative to sunrise and sunset, cancelling out each other. Therefore the midpoint of activity stays relatively stable; remaining minor changes in the midpoint of activity do not produce a general seasonal pattern.

  4. 4.

    At high latitude, a large seasonal fluctuation in the day-to-day variability (or precision) of activity timing is detected. These patterns of precision of the rhythm cannot be attributed to a single Zeitgeber property without complex assumptions. Onset and ends of activity become more precise when occurring during the civil twilight, i.e. at times of day with most rapid changes in light intensity. This may reflect direct action of light on the rhythm rather than a property of the entrainment mechanism.

  5. 5.

    The data do not give compelling evidence for any formal model of the oscillations driving the activity rhythms. Predictions concerning the relation between phase and activity time derived from a single oscillator model are not matched by the data. On the other hand, the general seasonal patterns can be easily described in terms of a two-oscillator model.

  6. 6.

    Seasonal variations in duration of activity are larger in birds than in mammals. Day-to-day variations in timing are larger in mammals than in birds. The implications for photoperiodic time measurement are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aschoff, J.: Exogenous and endogenous components in circadian rhythms. Cold Spr. Harb. Symp. quant. Biol. 25, 11–28 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J.: Spontane lokomotorische Aktivität. Handb. Zool. 8 (11), 1–76 (1962)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J.: Die Tagesperiodik licht- und dunkelaktiver Tiere. Rev. suisse Zool. 71, 528–558 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J.: The phase-angle difference in circadian periodicity. In: Circadian clocks, J. Aschoff, ed. p. 262–276. Amsterdam: North Holland 1965

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J.: Circadian activity pattern with two peaks. Ecology 47, 657–662 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J.: Circadian rhythms in birds. Proc. XIV. Int. Congr. Ornithol., O. W. Snow, ed., p. 81–105. Oxford: Blackwell 1967

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J.: Phasenlage der Tagesperiodik in Abhängigkeit von Jahreszeit und Breitengrad. Oecologia (Berl.) 3, 125–265 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J., Daan, S., Figala, J., Müller, K.: Precision of entrained circadian activity rhythms under natural photoperiodic conditions. Naturwissenschaften 59, 276–277 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J., Gerecke, U., Kureck, A., Pohl, H., Rieger, P., von Saint Paul, U., Wever, R.: Interdependent parameters of circadian activity rhythms in birds and man. In: Biochronometry, M. Menaker, ed. p. 3–29. Washington, D.C.: Nat. Acad. Sci. 1971

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J., Gwinner, E., Kureck, A., Müller, K.: Diel rhythms of chaffinches Fringilla coelebs L., tree shrews Tupaia glis L. and hamsters Mesocricetus auratus L. as a function of season at the arctic circle. Oikos, Suppl. 13, 91–100 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J., Klotter, K., Wever, R.: Circadian vocabulary. In: Circadian clocks, J. Aschoff, ed., X–XIX. Amsterdam: North-Holland 1965

    Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J., Wever, R.: Beginn und Ende der täglichen Aktivität freilebender Vögel. J. Orn. 103, 2–27 (1962)

    Google Scholar 

  • Blase, B.: Zum Beginn und Ende der täglichen Aktivität der Goldammer. Der Falke 7, 228–241 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Blume, D.: Die Jahresperiodik von Aktivitätsbeginn und-ende bei einigen Spechtarten (I. u. II. Teil). Vogelwelt 84, 161–184 (1963); 85, 11–18 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bohnsack, B.: Über den Tagesrhythmus des Staren (Sturnus vulgaris) am Schlafplatz. Oecologia (Berl.) 1, 369–376 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bünning, E.: Die endogene Tagesrhythmik als Grundlage der photoperiodischen Reaktion. Ber. dtsch. bot. Ges. 54, 590–607 (1936)

    Google Scholar 

  • Corti, V. A.: Über Tagesaktivität und Jahresrhythmus im Leben der Kohlmeise (Parus major L.). Ann. ornith. Ges. Bayern 7, 681–686 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Daan, S.: Säsongvariationen i den circadiana aktivitesrytmen hos fyra finkarter vid polcirkeln. Fauna och Flora 67, 211–214 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Daan, S.: Light intensity and the timing of daily activity in finches. The Ibis (in press)

  • Dancker, P.: Mehrjährige Beobachtungen zur Tages-und Jahresperiodik von Finkenvögeln. Diss. Nat. Freiburg (1964)

  • DeCoursey, P. J.: Daily light sensitivity rhythm in a rodent. Science 131, 33–35 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  • DeCoursey, P. J.: Function of a light response rhythm in hamsters. J. cell. comp. Physiol. 63, 189–196 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • DeCoursey, P. J.: LD ratios and the entrainment of circadian activity in a nocturnal and a diurnal rodent. J. comp. Physiol. 78, 221–235 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunnett, G. E., Hinde, R. A.: The winter roosting and awakening behaviour of captive great tits. Brit. J. animal Behav. 1, 91–95 (1953)

    Google Scholar 

  • Eriksson, L. O.: Spring inversion of the diel rhythm of locomotor activity in young sea-going trout (Salmo trutta trutta L.) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.). Aquilo, Ser. Zool. 14, 68–79 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikinaro, E.: The seasonal changes of the activity of Microtus agrestis. Acta oecol. scand. 12, 157–163 (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  • Erkinaro, E.: Der Verlauf desynchronisierter, circadianer Periodik einer Waldmaus (Apodemus flavicollis) in Nordfinnland. Z. vergl. Physiol. 64, 407–410 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Erkinaro, E.: Wirkung von Tageslänge und Dämmerung auf die Phasenlage der 24 h Periodik der Waldmaus Apodemus flavicollis Melch. in Naturtag. Oikos, Suppl. 13, 101–107 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Erkinaro, E.: Precision of the circadian clock in Tengmalm's owl, Aegolius funereus (L.) during various seasons. Aquilo (Oulu) 13, 48–52 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Eskin, A.: Some properties of the system controlling the circadian activity rhythm of sparrows. In: Biochronometry, M. Menaker, ed., p. 55–80. Washington, D.C.: Nat. Acad. Sci. 1971

    Google Scholar 

  • Franz, J.: Jahres-und Tagesrhythmus einiger Vögel in Nordfinnland. Z. Tierpsychol. 6, 309–329 (1949)

    Google Scholar 

  • von Frisch, K.: Die Sonne als Kompaß im Leben der Bienen. Experientia (Basel) 6, 210–211 (1950)

    Google Scholar 

  • Glutz von Blotzheim, U. N.: Die Brutvögel der Schweiz. Schweiz. Vogelwarte Sempach, 1–64 (1962)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gwinner, E.: Circannual rhythms in birds: their interaction with circadian rhythms and environmental photoperiod. J. Reprod. Fertil., Suppl. 19, 51–65 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gwinner, E.: Testosterone induces “splitting” of circadian locomotor activity rhythms in birds. Science 185, 72–74 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gwinner, E., Turek, F.: Effects of season on circadian activity rhythms of the starling. Naturwissenschaften 58, 627–628 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Haarhaus, D.: Zum Tagesrhythmus des Staren (Sturnus vulgaris) und der Schneeammer (Plectrophenax nivalis). Oecologia (Berl.) 1, 176–218 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamner, W. M., Enright, J. T.: Relationships between photoperiodism and circadian rhythms of activity in the house finch. J. exp. Biol. 46, 43–61 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hjorth, I.: Significance of light in the initiation of morning display of the black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix). Viltrevy (Stockh.) 5, 39–94 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, K.: Experimental manipulation of the orientational clock in birds. Cold. Spr. Harb. Symp. quant. Biol. 25, 379–387 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, K.: Kritik des Erlinger Modells. Nachr. Akad. Wiss. Göttingen (II. Math.-Phys. Kl.), 132–133 (1967)

  • Hoffmann, K.: Zum Einfluß der Zeitgeberstärke auf die Phasenlage der synchronisierten circadianen Periodik. Z. vergl. Physiol. 62, 93–110 (1969a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, K.: Die relative Wirksamkeit von Zeitgebern. Oecologia (Berl.) 3, 184–206 (1969b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, K.: Circadiane Periodik bei Tupajas (Tupaja glis) in Konstanten Bedingungen. Zool. Anz., Suppl. 33, 171–177 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, K.: Splitting of the circadian rhythm as a function of light intensity. In: Biochronometry, M. Menaker, ed., p. 134–150. Washington, D.C.: Nat Acat. Sci. 1971

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoser, N.: Phasenlage und Tagesperiodik von drei freilebenden Vogelarten (Turdus merula L., Parus major L., Passer montanus L.) auf 51° nördlicher Breite in Abhängigkeit von der Jahreszeit. Abh. Ber. nat. Mus. Altenburg 7, 49–58 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalleberg, H.: Observations in a stream tank of territoriality and competition in juvenile salmon and trout (Salmo salar L. and S. trutta L.). Rep. Inst. Freshwater Res. Drottningholm 39, 55–98 (1958)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kenagy, G. J.: The periodicity of daily activity and its seasonal changes in free ranging and captive kangaroo rats. In press

  • Kramer, G.: Weitere Analyse der Faktoren, welche die Zugaktivität des gekäfigten Vogels orientieren. Naturwissenschaften 37, 377–378 (1950)

    Google Scholar 

  • Laufens, G.: Freilanduntersuchungen zur Aktivitätsperiodik dunkelaktiver Säuger. Diss. Math. Nat. Köln (1972)

  • Lutz, F. E.: Light as a factor in controlling the start of daily activity of a wren and stingless bees. Ann. Mus. Novit. 468, 1–9 (1931)

    Google Scholar 

  • Menaker, M.: The freerunning period of the bat clock; seasonal variations at low body temperature. J. cell. comp. Physiol. 57, 81–86 (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  • Menaker, M.: Rhythms, reproduction and photoreception. Biol. Reprod. 4, 295–308 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Menaker, M.: Aspects of the physiology of circadian rhythmicity in the vertebrate central nervous system. In: The neurosciences; third study program, F. A. Schmitt, ed., p. 479–489. Cambridge (Mass.) London: MIT Press 1974

    Google Scholar 

  • Mori, S.: Daily singing rhythms in birds. Forsch.-Ber. Physiol. Morph. Zool. Inst. Kyoto Nr. 20 (1945)

  • Müller, K.: Die Tages-und Jahresperiodik der Bachforelle (Salmo trutta L.) am Polarkreis. Aquilo, Ser. Zool. 8, 50–62 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller, K.: Die Tages-und Jahresperiodik der Buntflossenkoppe Cottus poecilopus Heckel am Polarkreis. Oikos, Suppl. 13, 108–121 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Naik, R. M., Razack, A.: Studies on the house swift, Apus affinis, G. E. Gray, ed., 7. Seasonal changes in daily activity rhythms. Pavo 5, 57–74 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyholm, E. S.: Zur Ökologie von Myotis mystacinus (Leisl.) und M. daubentoni (Leisl.) (Chiroptera). Ann. zool. fenn. 2, 77–123 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ostermann, K.: Zur Aktivität heimischer Muriden und Gliriden. Zool. Jb. Allg. 66, 355–388 (1956)

    Google Scholar 

  • Palmgren, P.: Über den Tagesrhythmus der Vögel im arktischen Sommer. Ornis fennica 12, 107–121 (1935)

    Google Scholar 

  • Palmgren, P.: Zur Tagesrhythmik von Finkenvögeln. Ornis fennica 20, 99–103 (1943)

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, J. C.: Bird migration from the standpoint of its periodic accuracy. The Auk 30, 191–204 (1913)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pittendrigh, C. S.: Circadian rhythms and the circadian organization of living systems. Cold Spr. Harb. Symp. quant. Biol. 25, 159–184 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pittendrigh, C. S.: Circadian rhythms, space research and manned space flight. In: Life sciences and space research, p. 122–134. Amsterdam: North-Holland 1967

    Google Scholar 

  • Pittendrigh, C. S.: Circadian surfaces and the diversity of possible roles of circadian organization in photoperiodic induction. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 69, 2734–2737 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pittendrigh, C. S.: Circadian oscillations in cells and the circadian organization of multicellular systems. In: The neurosciences; third study program, F. A. Schmitt, ed., p. 437–458. Cambridge (Mass.) London: MIT Press 1974

    Google Scholar 

  • Pittendrigh, C. S., Daan, S.: The clock-like properties of circadian pacemakers in nocturnal rodents. In press

  • Räber, H.: Das Verhalten gefangener Waldohreulen (Asio otus otus) und Waldkäuze (Strix aluco aluco) zur Beute. Behaviour 2, 1–95 (1949)

    Google Scholar 

  • Scheer, G.: Beobachtungen und Untersuchungen über die Abhängigkeit des Frühgesanges der Vögel von inneren und äußeren Faktoren. Biol. Abh. 1952, 3/4, 1–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwan, A.: Vogelgesang und Wetter, physikalisch-biologisch untersucht. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 180, 341–347 (1920)

    Google Scholar 

  • Swade, R. H., Pittendrigh, C. S.: Circadian locomotor rhythms of rodents in the arctic. Amer. Natural. 101, 431–466 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Twente, J. W.: Some aspects of habitat selection and other behavior of covern-dwelling bats. Ecology 36, 706–732 (1955)

    Google Scholar 

  • Voûte, A. M.: Bijdrage tot de oecologie van de meervleermuis, Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825). Diss. Utrecht, 1–159 (1972)

  • West, G. C., Pohl, H.: Effect of light-dark cycles with different LD-time-ratios and different LD intensity ratios on the activity rhythm of chaffinches. J. comp. Physiol. 83, 289–302 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wever, R.: Zum Mechanismus der biologischen 24-Stunden-Periodik (I., II. u. III. Mitt.). Kybernetik 1, 139–154 (1962); 1, 213–231 (1963); 2, 127–144 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wever, R.: A mathematical model for circadian rhythms. In: Circadian clocks, J. Aschoff, ed., p. 49–63. Amsterdam: North-Holland 1965

    Google Scholar 

  • Wever, R.: Zum Einfluß der Dämmerung auf die circadiane Periodik. Z. vergl. Physiol. 55, 255–277 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wever, R.: Virtual synchronization towards the limits of the range of entrainment. J. theor. Biol. 36, 119–132 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, H.: Morning awakening and evening song. The Auk 30, 512–537 (1913)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Serge Daan (Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung)

    Present address: Zoologisch Laboratorium, Rijks Universiteit Groningen, Haren (Gr.), The Netherlands

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltensphysiologie, Seewiesen and Erling-Andechs

    Serge Daan (Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung) & Jürgen Aschoff

Authors
  1. Serge Daan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jürgen Aschoff
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Daan, S., Aschoff, J. Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in captive birds and mammals: Their variations with season and latitude. Oecologia 18, 269–316 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345851

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345851

Keywords

Search

Navigation