Synopses & Reviews
Bees, birds, bats, fish, and dolphins possess senses that lie far beyond the realm of human experience. In this book Howard C. Hughes tells the story of these "exotic" senses. He tells not only what has been discovered but how it was discovered -- including historical misinterpretations of animal perception that we now view with amusement.
The book is divided into four parts: biosonar, biological compasses, electroreception, and the scents of attraction. Although the book is filled with fascinating descriptions of animal sensitivities, the author's goal is to explain the anatomical and physiological principles that underlie them. Knowledge of these mechanisms has practical applications in areas as diverse as marine navigation, biomedical sciences, and nontoxic pest control. It can also help us to obtain a deeper understanding of more familiar sensory systems and the brain in general.
Review
The wondrous capabilities that Hughes discusses are only beginning to be understood... but the challenging questions could attract anyone with a sense of curiosity and skills in biology or information technology.... Sensory Exotica may inspire budding scientists to pursue this rich field of inquiry. The MIT Press The MIT Press
Review
" Sensory Exotica is itself a 'remarkably accurate, generalpurpose' book, of value to specialist and general reader alike. Theabundance of clear, well-designed charts and diagrams complements Hughes'engaging, often witty text... He succeeds in making the 'exotic'understandable." The MIT Press
Synopsis
An entertaining guide to the exotic sensory abilities of the Earth's nonhuman creatures.
Bees, birds, bats, fish, and dolphins possess senses that lie far beyond the realm of human experience. In this book Howard C. Hughes tells the story of these "exotic" senses. He tells not only what has been discovered but how it was discovered -- including historical misinterpretations of animal perception that we now view with amusement.
The book is divided into four parts: biosonar, biological compasses, electroreception, and the scents of attraction. Although the book is filled with fascinating descriptions of animal sensitivities, the author's goal is to explain the anatomical and physiological principles that underlie them. Knowledge of these mechanisms has practical applications in areas as diverse as marine navigation, biomedical sciences, and nontoxic pest control. It can also help us to obtain a deeper understanding of more familiar sensory systems and the brain in general.
Synopsis
An entertaining guide to the exotic sensory abilities of the Earth's nonhuman creatures.Certain insects and animals such as bees, birds, bats, fish, and dolphins possess senses that lie far beyond the realm of human experience. Examples include echolocation, internal navigation systems, and systems based on bioelectricity. In this book Howard C. Hughes tells the story of these exotic senses. He tells not only what has been discovered but how it was discovered--including historical misinterpretations of animal perception that we now view with amusement.
The book is divided into four parts: biosonar, biological compasses, electroperception, and chemical communication. Although it is filled with fascinating descriptions of animal sensitivities--the sonar system of a bat, for example, rivals that of the most sophisticated human-made devices--the author's goal is to explain the anatomical and physiological principles that underlie them. Knowledge of these mechanisms has practical applications in areas as diverse as marine navigation, the biomedical sciences, and nontoxic pest control. It can also help us to obtain a deeper understanding of more familiar sensory systems and the brain in general. Written in an entertaining, accessible style, the book recounts a tale of wonder that continues today--for who knows what sensory marvels still await discovery or what kind of creatures will provide the insights?
Synopsis
The book is divided into four parts: biosonar, biological compasses, electroreception, and the scents of attraction. Although the book is filled with fascinating descriptions of animal sensitivities, the author's goal is to explain the anatomical and physiological principles that underlie them. Knowledge of these mechanisms has practical applications in areas as diverse as marine navigation, biomedical sciences, and nontoxic pest control. It can also help us to obtain a deeper understanding of more familiar sensory systems and the brain in general.
Synopsis
Bees, birds, bats, fish, and dolphins possess senses that lie far beyond the realm of human experience. In this book Howard C. Hughes tells the story of these "exotic" senses.
Synopsis
Bees, birds, bats, fish, and dolphins possess senses that lie far beyondthe realm of human experience. In this book Howard C. Hughes tells the story ofthese exotic senses. He tells not only what has been discovered but how it wasdiscovered--including historical misinterpretations of animal perception that we nowview with amusement.The book is divided into four parts: biosonar, biologicalcompasses, electroreception, and the scents of attraction. Although the book isfilled with fascinating descriptions of animal sensitivities, the author's goal isto explain the anatomical and physiological principles that underlie them. Knowledgeof these mechanisms has practical applications in areas as diverse as marinenavigation, biomedical sciences, and nontoxic pest control. It can also help us toobtain a deeper understanding of more familiar sensory systems and the brain ingeneral.
About the Author
Howard C. Hughes is Professor of Psychology at Dartmouth College.