The effect of a temporal shift in diurnal geomagnetic variation on roach Rutilus rutilus L. embryos: A comparison with effects of simulated geomagnetic storms

Abstract

A study was made of the effects that 6- and 12-h shifts in diurnal geomagnetic variation relative to the night–day light cycles exert on roach Ritulus ritulus L. embryos. Either temporal shift in diurnal geomagnetic variation stimulated blastomere proliferation and early prelarval hatching in exposed embryos compared to controls. Underyearlings developing from exposed embryos displayed higher locomotor activity in a plusshaped maze, a lower number of rays in the anal fin, a redistribution of vertebrae through sections of the vertebral column, and a higher number of seismosensory system openings in the mandibular and preopercular bones. The effects were similar to those described previously for roaches exposed to a simulated geomagnetic storm during embryonic development. The results support the hypothesis that animals perceive geomagnetic storms as a dramatic disturbance that occurs in the habitual diurnal geomagnetic variation at an unusual time relative to the night–day light cycle, which acts as a primary zeitgeber of circadian biological rhythms.