Computer graphics contour map representing a mathematical function which describes the resetting of a circadian (24-hour) body clock by timed exposure

---

Computer graphics contour map representing a mathematical function which describes the resetting of a circadian (24-hour) body clock by timed exposure to light. Here, the subject is eclosion in a population of Drosophila, the fruit fly. Eclosion is the event when the adult fly emerges from its pupal case. Embryonic fruit flies do not automatically have functioning clocks; flies raised from conception in constant darkness at constant temperature show no preference of a particular hour to emerge. However, a single flash of light may start all the embryonic clocks in the population, with adults subsequently emerging in bursts every 24 hours.

---

Size: 5179px × 3108px
Photo credit: © PROF. ARTHUR WINFREE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: biological, body, circadian, clocks, colours, contour, drosophila, eclosion, fly, fruit, map, model, rhythm, spectrum