Effects of photophase and altitude on oviposition rhythm of the himalayan strains of Drosophila ananassae.

The effects of varying photophase and altitude of origin on the phase angle difference (Psi) of the circadian rhythm of oviposition during entrainment to light-dark (LD) cycles and the aftereffects of such photophases on the period of the free-running rhythm (tau) in constant darkness (DD) were evaluated in two Himalayan strains of Drosophila ananassae, the high-altitude (HA) strain from Badrinath (5,123 m above sea level=ASL) and the low-altitude (LA) strain from Firozpur (179 m ASL). The Psi (i.e.

Effect of light intensity on the oviposition rhythm of the altitudinal strains of Drosophila ananassae.

The sensitivity of the circadian photoreceptors mediating entrainment of the eclosion rhythm and phase shifts of oviposition rhythm of the high altitude (HA) strain of Drosophila ananassae originating from Badrinath (5123 m above sea level) in the Himalayas was compared with the low altitude (LA) strain from Firozpur (179 m above sea level). Reduced photic sensitivity of the HA strain is regarded as the result of natural selection, which led to the weakening of the coupling mechanism between the circadian pacemaker and light at the high altitude of origin. The present study was designed to determine whether or not the photic entrainment of the oviposition rhythm of the HA strain of D.