Phenology is the study of the timing of biological events and how these are influenced by seasonal variations or habitat factors

• The biological events are controlled by chemical signals that are triggered in response to environmental changes (e.g. day length or temperature patterns)

Examples of phenological events include:

• The seasonal development of buds (bud set) and the subsequent emergence of new leaves (bud burst) in deciduous plants
  

• The blooming of flowers to coincide with the activity of pollinators or weather conditions conducive to pollination (e.g. wind, rain)
  

• The migration of birds to different parts of the world in concordance with annual changes in climate
  

• The timing of nesting to ensure that eggs are laid at an appropriate time so that there will be sufficient resources to support the hatchling
  

• The suppression of metabolic activity during winter months to limit energy expenditure in cold climates (i.e. hibernation)
  

Phenological Events