3.6.1 Stimuli

Question 1

The fovea of the eye of an eagle has a high density of cones. An eagle focuses the image of its prey onto the fovea.
Explain how the fovea enables an eagle to see its prey in detail.

Answer 1

High acuity
Each cone connected to a single neurone
Separate impulses to brain

Question 2

The retina of an owl has a high density of rod cells.
Explain how this enables an owl to hunt its prey at night.

Answer 2

High sensitivity
Several rods connected to single neurone
Enough transmitter/spatial summation to reach threshold