Latitude dependent arrhythmicity in the circadian oviposition rhythm of Drosophila ananassae

Abstract

Latitude dependent arrhythmicity in the circadian rhythm of oviposition of Drosophila ananassae strains originating from 8.1°N to 32.7°N was studied by inbreeding them in cycles of 12 h of light at 20 lux and 12 h of darkness. The number of inbreeding generations required to initiate arrhythmicity in oviposition rhythm was dependent on the origin of latitude of the strain. The strains from the lower latitudes became arrhythmic after notably more numbers of generations than those from the higher latitudes. This might be attributed to the higher inherent degree of oviposition rhythmicity in the F₁ generation, and enhanced photic sensitivity of the circadian pacemaker mediating entrainment of oviposition rhythm of the strains from lower latitudes as compared to those from the higher latitudes.

Keywords:

• Arrhythmicity
• circadian
• Drosophila
• latitude
• oviposition

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Research Grant No. SP/SO/AS – 43/2004 from the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, to DSJ.