(Chapters 11 to 14) summarise important features of the biological clock at the level of whole animal covering all vertebrate classes (fish to mammal). Chapters 15 and 16 are on long term (seasonal) rhythms in plants and higher vertebrates. Short term rhythms (ultradian rhythms), the significance of having a clock system in animals living in extreme (arctic) environments, and the diversity of circadian responses to melatonin, the key endocrine element involved in regulation of biological rhythms, have been discussed in Chapters 17 to 19. Finally, a chapter on sensitivity to light of the photoperiodic clock is added which, using vertebrate examples, illustrates the importance of wavelength and intensity of light on circadian and non-circadian functions. A well-known expert writes each chapter. When presenting information, the text provides consistent thematic coverage and feeling for the methods of investigation. Reference citation within the body of the text adequately reflects the literature as subject is developed. A chapter begins with an abstract that enables a reader to know at the first glance the important points covered in that chapter. The chapter concludes with a full citation of references included in the text, which could be useful for further reading. The book ends with a comprehensive subject index that may be useful for quick searches.

1. Biological Clocks at the End of the 20th Century

2. Clocks, Genes and Evolution: The Evolution of Circadian Organization
3. Circadian Frequency and Its Variability
4. Period Doubling of Rhythmic Water Regulation in Plants
5. The Genetics and Molecular Biology of Circadian Clocks
6. The Circadian Systems of Cells
7. Retinal Circadian Rhythms
8. Perception of Natural Zeitgeber Signals
9. Photoreceptors for the Circadian Clock of the Fruitfly
10. Photoentrainment of Vertebrate Circadian Rhythms
11. Circadian Organization in Fish and Amphibians
12. The Circadian Organization of Reptiles
13. The Circadian Pacemaking System of Birds
14. Neurochemical Aspects of the Entrainment of the Mammalian Suprachiasmatic Circadian Pacemaker
15. Photoperiodism in Plants
16. Photoperiodism in Birds and Mammals
17. Ultradian Rhythms
18. Biological Rhythms in Arctic Animals
19. Diversity in the Circadian Response to Melatonin in Mammals
20. Light Sensitivity of the Biological Clock.