Sensory ecology

Question 1

Why are senses not perfected by evolution?

Answer 1

Because of energetic purposes: no need for perfection if good enough works

Question 2

Noise plays a major role in sensory quality. What are the sources of the noise?

Answer 2

Receptor, environmental, channel

Question 3

Give examples from each type of noise.

Answer 3

Receptor: heat, chili and mint in taste receptor
Environmental: visual, olfactory, sound
Channel: pheromones

Question 4

Explain the difference in how evolution works on matched filters in interactions with the environment.

Answer 4

It can both drive the signal, but mostly the filters

Question 5

Explain the difference in how evolution works on matched filters in reprocutive behaviours.

Answer 5

Both filters and signals in both sexes

Question 6

Explain the difference in how evolution works on matched filters in predator-prey interactions.

Answer 6

Both filters and signals in both prey and predator in opposite direction (prey will strive to avoid predator (mismatch the filter), predator will strive to filter, and to avoid the filter of prey also)

Question 7

How many levels – and which – come together to form the compound match filter involved in box
jellyfish navigation?

Answer 7

Arrangement of the eyes
Crystal and stalk: gazing upwards
Field of view
Swim pulse  eye tremor
Spatial resolution  only seeing the canopy edge as a shadow

Question 8

Do matched filters play a great role in human life?

Answer 8

Limited visible light
Limited range of frequencies (sound) – learned matched filter (e.g., recognition of own child)
A lot of learned filters in humans