Effects of constant light and dark conditions on the locomotor activity, body mass, and body temperature rhythms of Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus)

Abstract

Light is an essential environmental cue influencing the endogenous circadian clocks that regulate behavioral and physiological processes in animals. Despite extensive research on the circadian rhythms of avian behavior and physiology, the mechanisms by which they adapt and adjust to abnormal photoperiod conditions, such as artificial light, have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, the circadian rhythms of the body mass, activity, and core and peripheral body temperatures of the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus, ETS)—a diurnal passerine—were examined under three different lighting conditions: constant light (LL), constant darkness (DD), and normal light–dark cycles (LD). Our results showed that the activity, body mass, core, tarsometatarsus, and eye temperatures of the ETSs varied significantly with treatment, time, and the interaction between treatment and time; however, there was no significant change in body mass in response to the interaction between time and treatment. Under LD conditions, the ETSs exhibited significant circadian rhythms in activity and core, tarsometatarsus, and eye temperatures. Under LL conditions, only the core temperature exhibited significant rhythmicity. Under DD conditions, there were no significant circadian rhythms in activity, body mass, and eye temperature; however, the core and tarsometatarsus temperatures remained rhythmic. Our results indicate that the core body temperature rhythm of ETS is endogenous and can be maintained under abnormal photoperiods. In contrast, the activity and body surface temperature, uncoupled from the core body temperature under abnormal photoperiod conditions, strongly depend on light. These results differ from those of other diurnal avian species, suggesting a unique coping mechanism of ETS in response to an abnormal photoperiod.