Institute of Advanced Studies

Good Rhythms? On the survival value of Circadian rhythms in physiology and behaviour

Circadian rhythms are overwhelmingly present in mammals and thought to be essential for their survival.  

The co-evolutionary aspects of sensory input mechanisms such as light detection, hearing and smell on the one hand and reproduction, food selection and anti-predator mechanisms on the other are integrated and tuned to time of day and day length and seasons from biological clocks that govern and coordinate behaviour and physiology of a species. But are we, are certain circumstances, better off without them? Research with some species has indicated that that might be the case.

This lecture focussed on risks and benefits of altering these rhythms, in animals and humans.

Biographical details

Menno Gerkema is Professor of Chronobiology and Professor of Science, Business and Policy at the University of Groningen & UWA Distinguished Visitor in Neurobiology, School of Animal Biology.

Professor Gerkema’s visit to Perth involves fieldwork on timing in the Fat-tailed Dunnart, is supported by the UWA Distinguished Visitors Fund and is hosted by EaRN, School of Animal Biology.

21 April 2009