Senses and Hormones Flashcards
Recap
How does a neural signal travel from one neuron to another?
Through the release of neurotransmitters into a synapse
What are chemosensory systems
Chemoreception occurs when a chemical molecule binds to a receptor on the surface of a sensory neuron. It includes olfaction (smell) and gustation (taste)
What is photoreception
Photoreception is the ability to perceive lights and physical objects
How can colour perception differ between species
- The number and type of photoreceptors that they possess
- Use of different parts of the wavelength spectrum
In what way do many birds vary across the sexes in plumage color that humans cannot perceive?
The sexes vary in ultraviolet coloration.
What are mechanoreceptors
Hearing and touch
Mechanoreceptors allow detection of mechanical waves (vibration) that travel through air, water or substrates.
The lateral line system in fish is contained which of the following?
Mechanoreceptors
What is Magnetoreception?
Magnetoreception is the ability to detect the Earth’s magnetic field.
Many animals use magnetic field for orientation and navigation: turtles, migratory birds, fish, salamanders, frogs, lobsters, and insects.
Why would it be advantageous for a moth to produce sounds that can be heard by predatory bats?
If the moth is unpalatable the bat could learn to avoid moths making that sound
What are the three types of hormones in vertebrates?
Steroids;
Peptides &;
Biogenic amines
How do steroid hormones work
Steroids are structurally related to cholesterol, can dissolve in fats and oils and easily pass through cell membranes. Their receptors are on the nucleus of cells. They work by turning gene expression off and on.
How do peptide hormones work
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. They trigger receptors on cell membranes. Examples are insulin - helps to regulate the energy metabolism of animals, oxytocin—involved in birth, lactation and bonding—and prolactin which is involved in milk synthesis.
How do biogenic amines work
Biogenic amines are low molecular weight organic nitrogen compounds. Examples are adrenaline (epinephrine) - involved with the fight or flight response, noradrenaline (norepinephrine) – involved in sleep and wakefulness, attention, feeding behavior, and stress
What does the challenge hypothesis suggest
male-male interactions stimulate testosterone production and sustain subsequent aggressive behavior.
What is the winner effect
When an animal wins an aggressive encounter it enhances the likelihood of them winning subsequent encounters.
