PHYSIOLOGY OF DEEP-SEA ANIMALS: DIURNAL LOCOMOTOR PATTERNS IN ANIMALS FROM 600 METERS
Abstract
The experiments undertaken here were focused on the question of whether or not biological clock mechanisms are operative in deep-sea animals. Clock-controlled daily rhythms have been previously demonstrated in a wide variety of terrestrial and littoral organisms where the adaptive significance of the timing mechanism is related to cycles in the physical environment. The present interest in the deep-sea forms was prompted by the possibility of obtaining animals (over) from an environment where terrestrial variables are virtually absent. The results of this study conclusively show an operative clock mechanism in one of the forms dredged from 600 meters off Bermuda. The significance of this demonstration is discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0248952
Entities
People
- Sheperd K. Roberts