Central coordination of vertebrate biological rhythms in physiology and behavior reside in the ________.
A) pituitary gland
B) hypothalamus
C) cerebrum
D) thalamus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms, which are 24-hour cycles of physiological and behavioral processes that are vital to the proper functioning of the body. It coordinates the activities of the circadian clock, which is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, and communicates with other areas of the brain and body to synchronize rhythms with the environment. While other structures in the brain, such as the pituitary gland and cerebrum, may be involved in regulating specific aspects of physiology and behavior, the central coordination of biological rhythms occurs primarily in the hypothalamus. The thalamus is not directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms.

Central Coordination of Vertebrate Biological Rhythms in Physiology and Behavior