The Quarterly Review of Biology
March 2009, vol. 84, no. 1
OLIVIER DANGLES and DUNCAN IRSCHICK and LARS CHITTKA and JEROME CASAS
ABSTRACT
Sensory organs represent the interface between the central nervous system of organisms and the environment in which they live. To date, we still lack a true integration of ecological and evolutionary perspectives in our understanding of many sensory systems. We argue that scientists working in sensory ecology should expand the bridge between sensory and evolutionary biology, and, in working toward this goal, we advocate a combination of the experimental rigor of the sensory physiologist with population-based as well as evolutionary views.
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In short, they are giving reasons why studying sensory systems will tell us more about evolutionary outcomes such as speciation, sexual selection, and variable behavior. In their own words:
"The investigation of variation in the performance of sensory systems among species, populations, and developmental stages, especially under natural conditions, represents a promising field of research that may serve not only to refine our understanding of the past evolution of sensory systems, but also to predict how animal behavior and sensory capabilities will continue to adapt to a changing world." (pg. 65)
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As the zombies say, "What about the braaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnn?" Is sensation as important as perception and cognition? Or do we study it because it's easier?
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