Summary
Studies endogenous circadian clocks and how they synchronise behaviour to the environment.
In depth
Core clock genes produce transcription-translation feedback loops with about 24-hour cycle. Light entrains clocks via photoreceptors. Disrupted rhythms affect health and behaviour. Hall, Rosbash and Young won the 2017 Nobel Prize.
Clocks run in most cells and are coordinated by master clocks. Light-sensitive proteins (cryptochromes, melanopsin) reset clocks. Clocks regulate sleep, feeding, temperature and hormone release.
Key idea: misalignment between internal clocks and the environment can impair health and performance.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chronobiology?
Studies endogenous circadian clocks and how they synchronise behaviour to the environment.
Which area of biology covers Chronobiology, and how advanced is it?
Chronobiology is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Biological Rhythms, Animal Welfare Science, Migration Behaviour.
Can you give an example of Chronobiology?
Nocturnal and diurnal animals differ in clock phase.
What should I learn before Chronobiology?
Work through the Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour first, such as Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour, then return to Chronobiology. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Chronobiology?
The closest topics to Chronobiology are Biological Rhythms, Animal Welfare Science, Migration Behaviour, Bird Song Learning. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Chronobiology?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Chronobiology. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Chronobiology different from Biological Rhythms?
Chronobiology: Studies endogenous circadian clocks and how they synchronise behaviour to the environment. Biological Rhythms: Cycles of behaviour, daily (circadian) and seasonal, tied to light and temperature. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Chronobiology step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Biological Rhythms and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.