exogenous zeitgebers Flashcards
(4 cards)
what is an exogenous zeitgeber
external factors in the enviornment that resets our biological clock through entrainment. e.g. light
how is light an exogenous zeitgeber
it can reset the bodys SCN and therefore plays a role in the sleep wake cycle.
how are social cues an exogenous zeitgeber
at 16 weeks a babies circadian rythmn has been entrained by the schedules imposed by their parents(social cues) including those relating to mealtimes and bedtimes.
what is the a03 for exogenous zeitgebers
inconsistent enviornmental effects- for example the inuits of the arctic circle who spend six months of the year in near total darkness nevertheless have the same SWC all year long. suggests endegenous pacemakers are better for the SWC than exogenous factors.
case study against- miles et al found a young blind man from birth had an abnormal circadian rythmn of 24.9 hours despite exposure to social cues such as regular meal times
