Effects of Photoperiod on Human and Animal Physiology

 Advanced Activities

Variations in response to changes in photoperiod have been documented in human and other animal physiology, behavior, and morphology.  An independent research project may be assigned to students looking at one aspect of these responses.   Such investigations might produce a written report, oral report, or computer model simulation as an output.  Each teacher should determine appropriate output and write a rubric for grade assignment.  Possible topics might include but are definitely not limited to:

• Human hormone production

• Human depression and suicide rates

• Human sleep patterns

• Body temperature and thermoregulation

• Metabolism

• Endocrine system function

• Diet

• Reproduction and sexual behavior

• Reproductive and sexual development

• Juvenile and larval development

• Migratory behavior

• Molting and fur development

• Spawning behavior

• Hibernation

• Hormone production

 Other topics might include effects on plants, protists, and bacteria.