Photoperiod
Photoperiod refers to the duration of light and darkness that an organism experiences in a 24-hour cycle. It plays a crucial role in regulating various biological processes, including plant growth, animal reproduction, and seasonal behaviors. Different species have adapted to specific photoperiods, which can influence their life cycles and activities.
In nature, changes in photoperiod occur with the changing seasons, affecting the amount of daylight available. For example, longer days in summer can trigger flowering in certain plants, while shorter days in winter may signal animals to enter hibernation or migrate. Understanding photoperiod is essential for agriculture and ecology.