Sensory Ecology Flashcards
What Is sensory ecology ?
The study of the unique sensory systems possessed by organisms which are uniquely optimised for their particular ecologies.
Give 3 examples of how senses are used by organisms
Detection of a mate or prey
Escaping the attention of predator
Monitoring the surrounding habitat.
Describe the perception of our world.
Consistent
Convincing
Workable.
Our vision is similar to the production of an image in a camera
True or False ?
False.
Images projected into the retina
are decomposed into elements (neurons)
Then Recomposed in the visual cortex.
Where are all objects of vison placed ?
On the Canvas of our mind.
What is our perception of the world limited to ?
The information provided by our senses
Which other organisms have a concept of 3D space ?
Other 3D organisms, move through habitat
Do 2D organisms have a perception of 3D space ?
It is unknown, though to be unlikely.
What senses detect the physical stimulus of electromagnetic waves ?
Vision and thermoreception
.
What senses detect the physical stimulus of Mechanical stimuli ?
Hearing, touch, thermoreception
i.e Snakes, use thermo-infrared sensor to detect prey by heat
What senses detect the physical stimulus of Chemical stimuli ?
Taste and smell
i.e Sift air molecules to find mates using antennae
What senses detect the physical stimulus of Electrical fields ?
Electroreception
i.e Hammer head use these waves to detect prey
What senses detect the physical stimulus of Magnetic fields ?
Magnetorecepetion.
i.e Wood pigeon, use mag, sense to travel great distances
Give the sensory adaption of the Fennec Fox.
Large ears
Enable listening for prey (insect) footsteps on the sand
Give the sensory adaption of the jumping spider
Large eyes facing forward
Used to judge distance and leap at prey.
Define active sensors.
Probe the environment with self-generated energy and analyse how the environment modifies the outgoing energy.
Define passive sensors
Collect information using available energy
Give an example of an active sensor.
Echolocation- emit sounds and then listen to the echoes
Give an example of passive sensors.
detection of sunlight and ambient sounds
Give the 3 sources of information in our world.
Ourselves (internal state)
Environment (& us in it)
Others
How can communication signals affect behaviour ?
They can modify, trigger or stop behaviour.
What is the purpose of signals ?
Announce species, sex & age Broadcast presence and location Indicate current status of sender (dominance, activity) Change status of social unit (warning) Near field interactions.
What are the costs of sending and receiving communication signals ?
Increased Predation risk
increased Parasitism risk
Energy requirement
Why will communication occur ?
When the benefits of communication outweigh the costs.
What is the benefit of being able to change your broadcasting range ?
Enables exclusion of potential receivers.
