Lesson 2: Sensing the Environment

Adaptive behaviour

A behaviour that enables the animal to adapt to changes in environmental factors/situations, allowing them to survive and reproduce successfully.

Survival

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in their environment.

Reproduction

The process in which new individuals are created, either sexually or asexually.

Mechanoreceptor

Receptor responsible for detecting mechanical stress/strain (Touch, hearing).

Thermoreceptor

Receptor responsible for detecting temperature changes (heat/cold).

Photoreceptor

Receptors responsible for detecting light (eyes).

Chemoreceptor

Receptor responsible for detecting chemicals (taste and smell).

Magnetoreceptor

Receptor responsible for detecting direction and altitude.

Stimuli

A change in an organism’s environment to which it can respond.

Reflex arc

An immediate response to a stimulus

Response

An animal’s behaviour to its environment

Why is Sensing the Environment Important?

Essential for survival, reproduction, and navigation within habitats to optimize resource usage and avoid danger.

What are the 5 Senses?

Sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing.

What is the process of Sensing the Environment?

Detection, transduction, transmission, and response to stimuli.

What is an example of Reflex Arc

When your hand touches a hot stove, receptors detect pain, sending signals to the brain, which processes the signal and sends a response back to move the hand away.