4.18 Dorsal Stream and Depth Perception in Animals

Flashcards covering the concepts of dorsal stream, depth perception, and the differences in eye placement and its effects on animals.

How do frontally placed eyes contribute to depth perception in certain animals?

Frontally placed eyes create a lot of overlap between visual fields, contributing to a sense of depth.

Which animals are described as having frontally placed eyes?

Cats and owls are examples of animals with frontally placed eyes.

What is the visual perspective of animals like rabbits that have laterally placed eyes?

Animals like rabbits have eyes on either side of their head, which results in less overlap between perspectives and less effective depth perception.

Why do prey species like rabbits have laterally placed eyes?

Prey species need to maintain a wider field of view to constantly scan for predators.

What is accommodation in relation to depth perception?

Accommodation is the adjustment of the lens shape by muscle activation to focus on objects at varying distances.

What is the effect of distance on the lens when focusing on far away objects?

For distant objects, the lens does not need to bend much light, resulting in less activation of the muscles.

What is motion parallax?

Motion parallax is the depth perception cue that arises when we move relative to other objects, affecting our perception of their speed.

How does motion parallax affect the perception of nearby vs. distant objects?

Objects that are closer seem to move quickly in the opposite direction, while distant objects appear to move more slowly.