Category Archives: What’s New in Sensory Ecology?

Mimicry, often seen when an animal or plant resembles another object in its surroundings for concealment or protection from predators. There are many different kinds of mimicry, ranging from aggressive mimicry, where a predator mimics another organism to trap its … Continue reading →

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Nuptial gift giving has been investigated in a number of invertebrate species, most namely spiders. In this behavior, males present females with prey items in which females will often accept and feed on. While females feed on the prey, males … Continue reading →

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It is relatively common in the animal kingdom that species will communicate with one another through more than one sensory modality; that is, they can combine auditory, visual, olfactory (smell), and other signal forms in their interactions with other individuals, … Continue reading →

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An occasional stroll through an urban forest or a developed landscape may leave one finding a cote of doves, thick vegetation, a family of hikers, and…heavy machinery? As a result of the advent of wide-spread geo-commercialism, many young entrepreneurs are … Continue reading →

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  Discriminability and memorability are two aspects of receiver psychology; a component of sensory processing that directly precedes the receiver response. Endler (1993) emphasizes that the receiver is an overlooked player and he provides a framework to better understand the … Continue reading →

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Pollination is necessary for plants to reproduce, and so many species of plants depend on bees and other insects as pollinators. Flowers employ a number of strategies to attracts pollinators such as bright colors, patterns and alluring fragrances. Flowers however … Continue reading →

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In insects and frogs, a female’s preference for males who call first is well proven. These males are called leaders. Other calling males neighboring the leading male are called followers. Although the female preference for leaders has been studied thoroughly, … Continue reading →

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  When we think of scavengers, we think of vultures lazily circling the skies waiting to eat the roadkill on side of the road. Being a scavenger is seen as being too lazy to work for your own food, instead, … Continue reading →

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Have you ever noticed a group of moths flying toward a street light at night? Or a large population of mosquitoes hurtling toward a lit pool in the summertime nights? On any given camping trip through the woods, one may expect to be … Continue reading →

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If you are lost in the woods and your phone is dead, you probably need a map and a compass. The map gives you a general sense of where you are, and the compass pinpoints you in the right direction. … Continue reading →