Mechanoreception and Biological Clocks in Animals

These flashcards cover key concepts related to mechanoreception and biological clocks in various animal species, including their mechanisms, behaviors, and research findings.

Mechanoreception

The detection of mechanical waves or vibrations in air, water, or substrates.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect mechanical waves or vibrations.

Ultrasonic pulses

Sound frequencies above the limit of human hearing, used by some moths in courtship.

Tympanal membranes

Membranes in some insects that are involved in hearing; can be punctured to create deafness.

Substrate-borne vibrations

Vibrations that travel through a solid medium like sand, detected by organisms.

Biological clocks

Mechanisms that enable individuals to adjust their behavior according to predictable environmental changes.

Circadian rhythms

Biological processes that display an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours.

Endogenous clock hypothesis

The theory that animals possess an internal biological clock that operates independently of external cues.

Environmental stimulus hypothesis

The theory that animals use environmental feedback to adjust their biological clock.

Circannual rhythms

Biological rhythms that operate on an annual basis, often related to seasonal changes.

Free-running cycle

A biological rhythm observed in constant environmental conditions without external cues.

Adaptive value of biological clocks

The hypothesis that circadian rhythms improve an animal's ability to adapt to daily environmental changes.

Antlion behavior

The response of antlions to vibrations indicating the presence of prey.

Courtship behavior in moths

Mating actions influenced by the detection of ultrasonic pulses.

Biological clock manipulation in crickets

Research showing that biological clocks can be reset or disrupted by cutting neural connections.

Seasonal cycles in behavior

Annual behavioral patterns driven by environmental changes, such as photoperiod and temperature.