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Arrhythmic perch hopping and rhythmic feeding of starlings in constant light: Separate circadian oscillators?

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Summary

Perch hopping activity and food intake were recorded in starlings in different intensities of continuous illumination (LL), varying from 0.1 to 1000 lux. Circadian rhythmicity in perch hopping disappeared in 10 lux and all higher intensities. In contrast, freerunning circadian rhythms in feeding were always present. In low light intensities, the perch hopping rhythm usually phase leads feeding, increasingly so with shorter circadian period. Locomotor activity may reflect motivational states unrelated to feeding.

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Gänshirt, G., Daan, S. & Gerkema, M.P. Arrhythmic perch hopping and rhythmic feeding of starlings in constant light: Separate circadian oscillators?. J. Comp. Physiol. 154, 669–674 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01350220

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01350220

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