Explain the role memory plays in animals sensory system and provide an example of this role in action
Memory plays a crucial role in an animal's sensory system as it helps the animal to interpret and make sense of the information it receives from its senses. This allows the animal to recognize patterns, learn from past experiences, and make informed decisions.
One example of memory's role in an animal's sensory system is found in birds. Many bird species migrate over long distances, and they rely on their memory to navigate accurately. Birds are known to use various sensory cues, such as the position of the sun, magnetic fields, landmarks, and even smells, to determine their location and direction. They form a mental map of their environment and combine these sensory cues with their memory of previous migrations to find their way back to their breeding grounds or wintering grounds.
For instance, the Arctic tern is a bird known for its long migratory journey from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to its wintering grounds in the Antarctic. During this incredible journey, which can span around 20,000 kilometers, the Arctic tern uses its memory of the Earth's magnetic field, landmarks, and the position of the sun to navigate accurately. Studies have shown that if these cues are altered, the terns become disoriented and have difficulty finding their way. This suggests that memory plays a crucial role in allowing the Arctic tern to interpret and utilize the sensory information it receives during migration.