1.7 - Spatial Cognition I

Question 1

orthokinesis

Answer 1

variable rate of movement

Question 2

klinokinesis

Answer 2

variable rate of turning

Question 3

combination of orthokinesis/klinokinesis in unfavourable environment

Answer 3

increased orthokinesis, decreased klinokineses - resulting in straight line

Question 4

combination of orthokinesis/klinokinesis in favourable environment

Answer 4

decreased orthokinesis, increased klinokinesis - results in more turning and less movement

Question 5

taxis

Answer 5

simplest behavioural strategy to aim towards a target (sensory signal tells you about quality of location)

Question 6

menotaxis in moths (3)

Answer 6

1. moths aim to keep moon in fixed position related to them at all times
2. ensures movement parallel to ground
3. human-made lights interrupt menotaxis

• requires some plasticity

Question 7

monarch butterfly migration directional mechanism

Answer 7

time-compensated sun compass (sun moves so need to know what time it is)

Question 8

what drives the circadian clock in monarch butterflies?

Answer 8

light sensitive cells in antennae (calibrated by dawn/dusk)

Question 9

features of innate homing mechanisms (3)

Answer 9

1. step counter
2. uses celestial compass cues e.g. the sun
3. need to do geometry

Question 10

deja vu - natural learning (3)

Answer 10

1. animals have to learn (cannot know in advance their environment)
2. innate behaviours that facilitate learning landmark information
3. pre-emptive learning, doesn’t need reward

Question 11

when can visual homing go wrong?

Answer 11

when places look similar