Question

How is the lunar-linked rhythm of fiddler crab courtship similar in mechanism and function to the seasonal timing of plant flowering? (See Concept 39.3.)

Short answer

The sensing of periodic variation in the environment leads to a reproductive cycle timed to environmental variables that optimize the potential for success in both the lunar-linked rhythm of fiddler crab courting and the seasonal timing of plant blossoming.

Step-by-step solution

Rhythmic behavior

Rhythmic behavior is an activity in which an organism repeats itself with a certain amount of regularity.While the circadian clock plays only a minimal but essential role in navigation for some migratory species.

However, it plays a considerable role in the daily activities of all animals.

Seasonal flowering

Seasonal flowers are flowers that only bloom during specific seasons of the year. They bloom only for a short period and not throughout the year. However, when such plants grow in an inconvenient season, they will become stunted and susceptible to illness.

Lunar rhythm in fiddler crabs

Fiddler crabs begin their lives as larvae on mudflats. Larvae are dispersed into deeper waters to develop relative safety before returning to tidal flats by the tides.Crabs court in proportion to the maximum tidal movement during new or complete moon phases.

The behavior of fiddler crabs living in the intertidal zone is due to the day-night and tide cycles. In addition, crabs have distinct diurnal and nocturnal routines that are impacted by the day-night process.