Continuous light inside a cave abolishes the social synchronization of the circadian rhythm in a bat

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Marimuthu, G.; Chandrashekaran, M. K.

Source:

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Springer, Volume 12, Issue 4, p.321-323 (1983)

Call Number:

A83MAR07IDUS

URL:

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00302900, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4599596

Keywords:

bats, circadian rhythm, Hipposideros speoris, illumination in caves, light pollution, Schneider's roundleaf bat, social synchronization

Abstract:

The bat Hipposideros speoris [Schneider's roundleaf bat, in India] regulates its flight activity rhythm in the absence of time cues in a totally dark natural cave. The flight activity rhythm even of captive bats in total darkness entrained to the social cues available from free flying conspecifics. The social synchronization of the circadian rhythm was abolished in continuous illumination (LL) of 10–20 lx. All the captive bats “freerun” in LL with τ longer than 24 h. The social entrainment was re-established following a few cycles of transients when total darkness was restored.