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Tidal Rhythms

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Ultradian Rhythms from Molecules to Mind

Abstract

Several marine organisms living in the inter-tidal zone show tidal rhythms. The endogenous nature of the rhythm enables organisms to determine time accurately even when the moon is hidden for two to three months because of perpetually overcast sky. While the basic characteristics of the rhythms are endogenously determined, it is fine-tuned by high and low tides caused by gravitational pull exerted by sun and moon. Hydrostatic pressure, turbulence of the waves and resultant mechanical agitation have all been proposed to be time cues. The fundamental nature of the timing mechanisms of intertidal organisms has been controversial for a long time. Empirical evidence strongly suggests a circadian component in activity appearing superimposed on a tidal component. A close relationship between tidal rhythms and circadian rhythms has also been inferred from the fact that tidal rhythms are also, to a large extent, refractory to temperature. While in most cases the ecological importance of the lunar cyclic phenomena is quite obvious, results of a few early studies suggest that tidal, circadian and lunar rhythms are intricately connected conferring an adaptive value to organisms inhabiting the edges of the oceans. We review here some of the major findings from early studies that may be relevant to understanding the basic nature of tidal rhythms. We critically review these studies in order to bring some clarity in the way we view tidal rhythms, and to understand their relationship with circadian rhythms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, 560 064, India

    M. K. Chandrashekaran & V. K. Sharma

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  1. M. K. Chandrashekaran
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  2. V. K. Sharma
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Microbiology (BIOSI 1), Cardiff University, Main Building, Cardiff, CF10 3TL, Wales, UK

    David Lloyd

  2. 125 Howard Ave., Los Osos, CA, 93402, USA

    Ernest L. Rossi

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Chandrashekaran, M.K., Sharma, V.K. (2008). Tidal Rhythms. In: Lloyd, D., Rossi, E.L. (eds) Ultradian Rhythms from Molecules to Mind. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8352-5_9

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