Re: Extinction and other...

[joe <jdaniel@aristotle.net>]

Matt Wedel wrote:
> 
> Neither do we.  The pineal gland is deep in our heads; the only light it
> "measures" is that which comes in through our eyes.  Melatonin release by
> the pineal gland appears to be correlated with seasonal variations in light,
> but the pineal gland does not receive light directly.  Same for crocs,
> birds, and most dinos, AFAIK.
> 
This is not entirely accurate. There was a study a couple of years ago
that demonstrated an alteration in the circadian rhythms due to light
shown on the calves of people. I believe they showed altered levels of
melatonin but I am not sure as I don't have the ref and am going from
memory. I am pretty sure they didn't have any real understanding of how
it works, but nevertheless, human bodies at the very least detect light
levels through more than just our eyes.
Just something to throw a wrench into the works.

Joe Daniel