Electroreception

Electroreception is the biological ability to perceive natural electrical stimuli. It has been observed in various species of fish, amphibians, and mammals.

Pronunciation

Electroreception: /ɪˌlɛktrəʊrɪˈsɛpʃən/

Etymology

The term "Electroreception" is derived from the Greek words "electron" meaning amber, and "reception" from the Latin "receptio", meaning to receive.

Definition

Electroreception refers to the physiological process by which certain animals perceive electric fields or electric currents. This sensory modality is used for various purposes such as navigation, prey detection, and communication.

Related Terms

Electrolocation: The use of electroreception to locate objects in the environment.
Electrogenesis: The generation of an electric field by living organisms.
Electrocommunication: The use of electric fields for communication between individuals of the same species.

Function

Electroreception is primarily found in aquatic or semi-aquatic animals, as water is a much better conductor of electricity than air. The electric fields produced by living organisms or their movements in the water can be detected by animals with this sense.

Animals with Electroreception

Many species of fish, such as Sharks and Rays, have this ability, as do some amphibians and mammals, like the Platypus and the Echidna. These animals have specialized electroreceptive organs that allow them to detect changes in electric fields.

Human Electroreception

While humans do not have electroreceptive organs, some research suggests that humans can perceive changes in electric fields under certain conditions. However, this is a topic of ongoing research and debate.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Electroreception
Wikipedia's article - Electroreception

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Electroreception