ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR

PRACTICALS
DSE PAPER-1 (SEMESTER-V)
 SYLLABUS FOR AB PRACTS

1. To study nests and nesting behaviour of the birds and social insects.
2. To study the behavioural responses of wood lice to dry and humid conditions.
3. To study geotaxis behaviour in earthworm/ phototaxis behaviour in insect larvae.
4. Study of courtship behaviour in birds and insects from short videos/films.
5. Visit to Forest/Wild life Sanctuary/Biodiversity Park/Zoological Park to study and
record
the behavioural activities of animals and prepare a short report.
6. Study and actogram construction of locomotor activity of suitable animal
models.
7. To study circadian functions in humans (daily eating, sleep and temperature
patterns).
 Record of Observations for Circadian Rhythm Data

Name:
Sex:
Age:
Place:
Period of observation: 1st Aug. 2021 to 15th Aug. 2021
Time of waking up
Temp. (degree Celsius)
Breakfast Time
Time of maximum alertness
Time of hunger pangs
Lunch time
Body temp. before going to bed
Time of going to bed
 Implications of Chronobiology studies

• Circadian rhythms are important in determining human sleep patterns. The body's master
clock, or SCN, controls the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy.
Since it is located just above the optic nerves, which relay information from the eyes to
the brain, the SCN receives information about incoming light. When there is less light—
like at night—the SCN tells the brain to make more melatonin so it makes us drowsy.
• Circadian rhythm disorders can be caused by many factors, including:
o Shift work
o Pregnancy
o Time zone changes
o Medications
o Changes in routine such as staying up late or sleeping in
o Medical problems including Alzheimer's or Parkinson disease and Mental
health problems
 RECOMMENDED READINGS

https://www.physoc.org/magazine-articles/a-chronology-of-chronobiology/