abstract: The hypothesis is advanced that the regular seasonal changes of the phase relationship between circadian activity rhythms and the natural light-dark cycle can be explained on the basis of special mechanisms of synchronization. In part 1.1, all the endogenous and exogenous factors are discussed which theoretically may influence the phase. From these considerations, it is concluded that it is mainly the ligh-dark ratio and the duration of twilight that determine the phase. Experimental evidence is presented in Part 1.2. In part 2, field observations on onset and end of activity of birds are re-analyzed. These data, as well as data from laboratory records of activity (3), support the hypothesis. They all show maximal leading phases in mid-summer for diurnal species, and in mid-winter for a nocturnal species; minimal leading phases occur at the equinox. A few exceptions from this rule, mentioned in part 4, raise the question to what extent the results can be generalized. The paper also discusses the uniform seasonal changes of the duration of activity-time.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltensphysiologie, Seewiesen und Erling-Andechs.
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aschoff