Habituation (18)

Question 1

Define habituation and how it can benefit an organism:

Answer 1

-Where an organism decreases or ceases its response to a stimulus after repeated exposure, because it does no harm
-Helps to save energy that can be used to respond to other stimuli which are harmful

Question 2

How does the mechanism of habituation in snails come into place?

Answer 2

1)With repeated stimulation the calcium channels of pre-synaptic neurone become less responsive to changes in voltage
2)Smaller influx of calcium ions and therefore fewer neurotransmitters released that can bind to post synaptic membrane
3)Fewer sodium channels opening, reduced depolarization and action potential less likely to occur
4)Therefore the eye stalk muscle doesn’t contract, eye no longer withdrawn

Question 3

Control variables:

Answer 3

-Age and Species of organism
-Time given between each test
-Location of stimulus, touch with cotton bud in same place