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 modelusesvariability between oscillators in conjunction with simple coupling rules to produce long term rhythms that are independent of rate equations (e.g. Arrhenius). The rhythms generated by the model are controlled by only two independent parameters and exhibit several physiologically interesting properties, including ready entrainment to external signals and splitting in response to strong constant signals. The model provides several predictions that can be tested in future experiments.