This graph shows data on melatonin concentrations in the pineal glands of deermi

Question

This graph shows data on melatonin concentrations in the pineal glands of deermice, as collected from wild populations in Michigan during three different seasons (A, B, and C).

Write a paragraph in which you convince the reader that the curves provide you with enough information to assign each letter to a particular season. Your answer should include the photocycle, i.e., the number of hours of light and the number of hours of dark in each of the three seasons. Note that the samples were collected in the sequence shown in the letters: A first, B second and C third.

Restating the directions:

Curve A - What season? What photocycle? Curve B - What season? What photocycle? Curve C - What season? What photocycle?

*Note any irregularity you see on the graph (you should still be able to figure out what is going on).

Explanation / Answer

In Michigan, four seasons will happen, which includes winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Melatonin is the hormone produced by animals, which is involved in entrainment of circadian rhythms. The circadian rhythms include sleep timing, blood pressure, seasonal reproduction, and many others. The light effects the production of melatonin by the pineal gland. Melatonin production is high during days with short light hours or long dark hours.

According to the graph A represents winter, B- Spring and C- fall. Depending on the light hours the melatonin production varies.

The sunrise is late during September to November months (fall), thus, the curve C represents fall. The day light hours is high during spring (march-june), thus curve B indicates spring. During winter, (December-march), the day light hours are short, thus curve A represents winter.

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