International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 111-127 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 111 Feature Review Open Access Chronobiology of Migratory Patterns in Animals Jinya Li, Mengyue Chen Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: mengyue.chen@cuixi.org International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0012 Received: 13 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 25 Mar., 2024 Published: 16 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li and Chen, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li J.Y., and Chen M.Y., 2024, Chronobiology of migratory patterns in animals, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(2): 111-127 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0012) Abstract This study synthesizes current knowledge on the chronobiology of migratory patterns in animals, focusing on the genetic, physiological, and environmental factors that influence these patterns. Key discoveries in the field highlight the role of endogenous circadian clocks in regulating migratory behaviors across various species. For instance, studies on North American monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) have shown evolutionary adaptations in clock genes that enable these insects to cope with different latitudinal environments. In birds, polymorphisms in clock genes such as Clock and Adcyap1 have been linked to seasonal migratory timing, although these genes are not definitive markers for distinguishing migratory from sedentary species. Research on the American kestrel has identified multiple biological time-keeping genes that influence migratory timing, suggesting the existence of distinct migratory genotypes within populations. Furthermore, the interplay between circadian and circatidal rhythms has been observed in marine organisms, indicating a complex interaction between different environmental cues and endogenous clocks. The findings underscore the intricate relationship between endogenous biological clocks and migratory behaviors in animals. Understanding these mechanisms not only provides insights into the evolutionary adaptations of species but also has broader implications for conservation strategies and predicting the impacts of climate change on migratory patterns. Keywords Chronobiology; Migratory patterns; Circadian clocks; Clock genes; Evolutionary adaptations; Environmental cues 1 Introduction Chronobiology is the scientific study of biological rhythms and their mechanisms. It encompasses the investigation of periodic (cyclic) phenomena in living organisms and their adaptation to solar- and lunar-related rhythms. These biological rhythms, which include circadian (daily), infradian (longer than a day), and ultradian (shorter than a day) cycles, are crucial for the regulation of various physiological processes such as sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and feeding patterns (Dominoni et al., 2017). The field of chronobiology has advanced significantly with the development of novel methodologies to measure rhythmicity at different levels of biological organization, from locomotor activity to gene expression (Dominoni et al., 2017). The study of migratory patterns in animals is of paramount importance for several reasons. Migration is a complex behavioral adaptation that has evolved across the animal kingdom, allowing species to exploit different habitats and resources seasonally (Merlin and Liedvogel, 2019). Understanding the mechanisms underlying migration can provide insights into the evolutionary processes that shape these behaviors and the genetic and epigenetic factors involved (Liedvogel et al., 2011; Mueller et al., 2011; Merlin and Liedvogel, 2019). Moreover, migratory species face increasing challenges due to habitat fragmentation, climate change, and over-exploitation, making it essential to quantify migration parameters and predict migratory movements for effective conservation and management (Bunnefeld et al., 2011). Additionally, migration has significant implications for the life-history strategies of animals, influencing their survival and reproduction schedules (Soriano‐Redondo et al., 2020). This study investigates the chronobiology of animal migration patterns, focusing on the mechanisms regulating the timing and expression of migration. By integrating environmental cues and endocrine responses, this study aims to understand how different types of migration—obligatory, nomadic, and evasive—are regulated, and how these mechanisms vary among species; additionally, explores the genetic and epigenetic basis of migratory behavior; identifies candidate genes and regulatory elements that control these traits. By achieving these goals, this study will advance the understanding of the chronobiology of migration patterns, highlight the complex
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