The role of temperature on the development of circadian rhythms in honey bee workers
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How does temperature affect the development of circadian rhythms in honey bee workers?
Research indicates that temperature plays a crucial role in the development of circadian rhythms in honey bee workers. When young workers are kept at higher temperatures similar to those found in the brood nest (33–35 °C), they develop circadian rhythms as early as 2 days of age. In contrast, workers kept at lower temperatures (24–26 °C) begin developing rhythms between 4–5 days of age. Moreover, a significantly higher proportion (60–80%) of bees develop circadian rhythms at brood nest-like temperatures compared to lower temperatures, where less than 40% of bees develop rhythmicity. These findings suggest that temperature, regulated socially inside the hive, significantly influences the early development of circadian rhythmicity in honey bee workers.
Is there a critical period where temperature influences the development of circadian rhythms in honey bee workers?
Yes, the research suggests that there is a critical period during the first 48 hours after emergence where temperature significantly affects the development of circadian rhythms in honey bee workers. Bees exposed to higher temperatures (35 °C) during this critical period are twice as likely to develop circadian rhythms compared to those kept at lower temperatures (25 °C). This underscores the importance of brood nest temperatures in shaping the early development of the circadian system in honey bee workers.
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