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Seasonal Adaptation

Meaning

Seasonal Adaptation describes the complex, genetically programmed physiological adjustments organisms make to changes in photoperiod and ambient temperature, involving significant shifts in the endocrine milieu to optimize survival and reproductive timing. In humans, this is subtly reflected in fluctuations of melatonin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones that affect mood, energy, and metabolism across the year. It is the body’s endocrine rhythm responding to environmental cues.