Instructions: The paper should address the following items: a. Desсrіption of the subject or question (1 point). b. Relevance to the weekly topic (1 point). c. Desсrіption of relevant background information and state of knowledge, and discussion of current research efforts, ongoing questions (2 points) e. Conclusions regarding the importance of the information, new information that needs to be acquired, and the relevance or importance to the broader topic. (2 points).

The professor also provided this brief desсrіption of the topic: Seasonal responses in plants and animals relies on several factors including: a circannual clock, mechanisms for measuring photoperiod, and direct sensory processing. We will discuss the latest information regarding generation of circannual rhythms, the influence of the circadian clock on photoperiodic time measurement, and the direct effects of light on brain regions that regulate emotion and motivation. The discussion will revolve around the issue of coordinating seasonal physiological change with seasonal change in behavior. Much of the recent research has focused on genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying photoperiodism and annual clocks. Therefore discussion can examine these mechanism or how seasonal change in affect is genetically based vs. direct responses to environmental changes across the seasons.

Additionally, the professor provided resources to help us with our writing. It is not necessary that we use them though, it is recommended that we read at least some of them to inspire/guide our writing. I have enclosed the resources he provided us here. The ones labelled ″1)″ through to ″4)″ are the resources he ″highly recommends″ that we read/use.

Just in case it would be helpful, I have also enclosed some example assignments. These are the attachments with ″Example″ in the Title.