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Insect Clocks

  • 1st Edition - October 1, 2002
  • Latest edition
  • Author: D.S. Saunders
  • Editors: C.G.H. Steel X. Vafopoulou, R.D. Lewis
  • Language: English

Chronobiology is the study of timing mechanisms in biological systems as diverse as plants, animals and some micro-organisms. It includes rhythmic phenomena ranging from short… Read more

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Description

Chronobiology is the study of timing mechanisms in biological systems as diverse as plants, animals and some micro-organisms. It includes rhythmic phenomena ranging from short period (ultradian) through daily (circadian) to long period (monthly, annual) cycles of behaviour, physiology and biochemistry. In recent years spectacular advances have been made, particularly in the field of circadian rhythms, and hardly a week passes without important papers appearing in the major scientific journals.

The third edition of Insect Clocks, like its predecessors, deals with the properties and functions of clock-like processes in one of the planet's most abundant groups of organisms. The first half of the book is concerned with circadian rhythmicity, the second with annual responses such as over-wintering diapause, seasonal morphs and cold hardiness. Insect Clocks puts modern developments in these fields into a secure framework of the 'classical' literature that has defined the subject.

The book is directed at active researchers in the field as well as newcomers and scientists working in many other areas of modern biology. It will also serve as a textbook for advanced and less advanced students and should find its way into university libraries wishing to keep abreast of the times.

Table of contents

Glossary and list of symbols. 1. Introduction: rhythms and clocks. 2. Circadian rhythms of activity in individual insects. 3. Circadian rhythms of activity in populations of insects. 4. Circadian rhythms: genes and the feedback loop. 5. Physiology of circadian systems (C.G.H. Steel, X. Vafopoulou). 6. The multioscillator circadian system. 7. Quantitative models for insect clocks (R.D. Lewis). 8. Circadian rhythms: photoreceptor and clock location. 9. Photoperiodism and seasonal cycles of development. 10. The photoperiodic response. 11. Circadian rhythms in photoperiodism. 12. The photoperiodic counter. 13. Photoperiodic time measurement: the clock-counter mechanism. 14. Photoperiodic photoreceptors and clock location. 15. Other types of insect clocks. 16. Clock complexity: the way forward? References. Index.

Review quotes

"It is a very readable, erudite volume that will appeal to undergraduate scholars, postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers. It should find its way onto the bookshelves in offices and laboratories as well as libraries. Indeed, it is essential reading for anyone interested in the area and purchasers will not be disappointed."—Physiological Entomology

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: October 28, 2002
  • Language: English

About the editors

CS

C.G.H. Steel X. Vafopoulou

Affiliations and expertise
York University, Toronto, Canada

RL

R.D. Lewis

Affiliations and expertise
University of Auckland, New Zealand

About the author

DS

D.S. Saunders

Affiliations and expertise
Division of Biological Sciences, Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology, University of Edinburgh, UK

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