Animal and the Environment

Illustrates feedback in animals and stresses the role played by environment and adaptation of animals to changes in the environment as they are controlled by biological clocks. Compares life with its many feedback systems to a thermostat. Explores the relationship of the earth, moon, and tide's monthly cycle with the lives of living creatures. Views reactions of nocturnal and diurnal plants and animals and stases that all organisms display regular metabolic fluctuations geared to the rotation of the sun. Follows the activity of the fiddler crab and bean seedlings as their "living clocks" exert control. Shows that organisms reset those clocks as with bees that may be trained to feed at any time merely by changing the relative length of day and night. Shows how birds use their clocks to correct for the direction of the sun when migrating. Guest lecturer, Dr. Frank Brown, Northwestern University.