Question

HOW DOES DAYLENGTH AND NERVOUS SYSTEM AFFECT REPRODUCTION?

Answer 1

Role of daylength in reproduction
Many mammalian species (such as cattle and pigs) display periods of reproductive inactivity associated with seasonal climatic changes. In these animals at higher latitude, the onset of reproductive activity is frequently associated with changing daylength. Such animals are either called shortday breeders (sheep, goat) where decreasing daylength is associated with the onset of reproductive activity or longday breeders (horse) where increasing daylength is associated with the onset of reproductive activity. Pineal galnd plays an important role in the perception and response to daylength changes.
Role of neural system in reproduction
In vertebrates, reproduction is controlled by complex physiological interactions between many bodily organs that are not structural parts of the reproductive tract. These interactions occur by means of hormones that are secreted by endocrine glands. The secretion of hormones in turn is induced by environmental factors (such as chemical signals, photoperiod, temperature) acting on the neural system. Thus, the integrative mechanisms involved in reproduction regulation makes it possible for individuals to coordinate their reproductive efforts with suitable environmental conditions because reproductive function is highly integrated with that of central neural system (CNS). In fact, the CNS acts as an interface between the environment and the reproductive system thus making it possible for vertebrates to adjust their reproductive functions to optimal environmental conditions. In doing so, it increases the likelihood of reproductive success and survival for both the individual and its lineage.