Biological Rhythms

Question 1

What are Biological rhythms?

Answer 1

A Biological rhythm is a cyclical pattern in biological activity that repeats at regular intervals - this impacts on how body system functions

Question 2

What are the two factors that infulence BR? + examples

Answer 2

Endogynous pacemaker: Our body’s natural, biological and internal clock (e.g. sleep-wake cycle)
Exogenous zeitgebers: External factors in the environment that affect our internal body clock (e.g. light)

Question 3

What is a circadian rhythm?

Answer 3

This is a type of biological rhythm that lasts 24 hours a day
There are two types:
- Temperature = the body’s core temperature fluctuates througout the day on a 24 hour cycle, lower during night and higher during day (controlled by hypothalamus)
- Sleep-wake cycle = a 24hr rhythm regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain, it is influenced by light and controls when we feel sleepiness (triggers melatonin) or alertness

Question 4

Evaluate the use of Biological rhythms

Answer 4

Strengths:
- Supporting research evidence (Siffre - 25hr day)
- Practical applications (night shift work)
Limits:
- Case study support is unique to individual (Siffre)