PSYC 205 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Superior Colliculus, Thalamus, Feature Integration Theory
13 Oct 2016
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Document Summary
Humans cannot detect magnetic or electrical fields. Human auditory system is finely tuned to the range of sound frequencies in speech. Visual system works by absorbing light of particular wavelengths along the electromagnetic spectrum. Humans can see form 400 nm 700 nm. Nocturnal- large pupils and lenses, higher proportion of rods making them more sensitive to light waves. Predators- frontally-placed eyes- binocular vision- two visual fields overlap producing better depth perception. Visual adaptations illustrate how dramatic differences in ecological circumstances alter sensory abilities. More subtle differences in sensory traits are observed in closely related species that inhabit similar environmnts. Zebra stripes- blend in with tall grass, move in a herd of stripes- hard to distinguish direction of motion- hard to single out one zebra, deter horseflies. Fossils only provide info on brain size so sensory system adaptations are inferred by comparing sensory traits in modern species that evolved from a common ancestor.
