The Neurobiology of Etruscan Shrew Active Touch
Author Information
Author(s): Brecht Michael, Naumann Robert, Anjum Farzana, Wolfe Jason, Munz Martin, Mende Carolin, Roth-Alpermann Claudia
Primary Institution: BCCN, Humboldt University Berlin
Hypothesis
How does the Etruscan shrew utilize active touch for hunting in darkness?
Conclusion
Etruscan shrews are highly efficient tactile hunters that rely on their whiskers to capture prey quickly and accurately.
Supporting Evidence
- Etruscan shrews can react to prey movement with latencies as short as 25–30 ms.
- Shrews engage in whisking at frequencies of approximately 14 Hz to enhance tactile sensing.
- Large parts of the shrew's brain are dedicated to processing vibrissal touch.
- Shrews can enter a torpid state, affecting their sensorimotor performance.
- Experiments showed that shape cues are necessary for evoking attacks on prey.
Takeaway
Etruscan shrews are tiny animals that use their sensitive whiskers to quickly find and catch insects, even in the dark.
Methodology
The study involved experiments analyzing shrew attacks on crickets, including whisker removal and prey manipulation.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on laboratory settings, which may not fully replicate natural hunting conditions.
Participant Demographics
Etruscan shrews (Suncus etruscus) were the primary subjects of the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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