Using variability to regulate long term biological rhythms

We present a model for the generation of precise, long term rhythms from a collection of imprecise, short term oscillators. The model uses variability between oscillators in conjunction with simple coupling rules to produce l ong term rhythms that are independent of rate equations (e.g. Arrhenius). T he rhythms generated by the model are controlled by only two independent pa rameters and exhibit several physiologically interesting properties, includ ing ready entrainment to external signals and splitting in response to stro ng constant signals. The model provides several predictions that can be tes ted in future experiments. (C) 1999 Academic Press.