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Biological rhythms in birds--development, insights and perspectives
M Nichelmann1, J Höchel, B Tzschentke
1Institut für Biologie der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany.
Summary
The internal clock of precocial birds may be imprinted before birth by environmental cues like light. This prenatal imprinting influences postnatal development and physiological systems, particularly thermoregulation.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Developmental Biology
- Avian Physiology
Background:
- Organ function activation occurs early in embryonic development.
- Prenatal functional system activation may enhance postnatal efficiency.
- Epigenetic adaptation is crucial for animal development, influencing innate but not genetically fixed traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence suggesting prenatal imprinting of the internal clock in precocial birds by exogenous factors (zeitgebers).
- To explore the role of prenatal development in shaping postnatal physiological efficiency.
- To examine the influence of environmental factors on the development of circadian rhythms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on avian embryonic development and circadian rhythms.
- Analysis of studies on the effects of prenatal environmental factors (zeitgebers) on physiological systems.
- Case study focusing on thermoregulation as an example of prenatal imprinting.
Main Results:
- Prenatal exposure to periodic light-dark cycles can imprint circadian rhythms in birds.
- Rhythmic acoustic signals do not appear to imprint prenatal circadian rhythms.
- Prenatal environmental factors significantly influence the set-point of physiological systems, as seen in thermoregulation.
Conclusions:
- The internal clock of precocial birds is likely imprinted prenatally by environmental cues.
- Prenatal imprinting influences postnatal physiological efficiency and the development of control systems.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the perinatal genesis of avian circadian rhythms.