The circadian body temperature rhythm of Djungarian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) revealing different circadian phenotypes

► Activity and temperature rhythms are different between phenotypes. ► Temperature rhythm differences persist after purification for effects of activity. ► The purified body temperature rhythm is a good indicator of the circadian clock. ► The delayed activity onset in DAO hamsters is due to the circadian system. ► In arrhythmic hamsters, the SCN do not produce a rhythmic signal.