Innate Types of Chronometry in Insect Orientation

“Physiological clocks” can be utilized by organisms in different ways; according to Bünning (1958 [1, 2]), Pittendrigh (1958 [3]), Pittendrigh and Bruce (1959 [4]) the ability to measure time is a widespread phenomenon in plants and in animals, and there is no doubt that clock systems play an integrative role in the adaptive organization of living beings. One of the most striking discoveries of the last years was v. Frisch's (1948 [5]) statement that bees are able to correct for the movement of the sun, and that chronometer orientation is one of the most important prerequisites of their social behavior, including the so-called “language.” His work opened a new field of investigation to sense physiologists, ethologists and especially to those who are engaged in the study of clock-mechanisms.