In this paper a precise definition is given of the term physiological clock and the role of this clock in biological developmental and growth processes is mathematically studied. The heat sum method employed in the study of the annual cycle of development of forest trees has been used as the starting point. The mathematical principles of this method are analysed and it is shown that, on the same principles, a fairly general physiological clock can be constructed. Also, two growth models are presented in which this generalized physiological clock proves to play an important role.
The PDF includes a summary in Finnish.