Open questions in marine mammal sensory research

Vreese, Steffen De; Sørensen, Kenneth; Biolsi, Kristy L.; Fasick, Jeffry I.; Reidenberg, Joy S.; Hanke, Frederike D.

doi:10.1242/bio.059904

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…This complex interplay between peripheral sensory structures and central neural processing systems underscores the remarkable sensory physiology of cetaceans, which remains poorly understood in many aspects. Recent publications have collected current knowledge about the complex anatomy and aspects of the sensory physiology of dolphins [ 1 , 3 ], and brought forth key unresolved questions in the field of sensory ecology [ 4 ]. It is of particular importance to understand and combine these contributions to understand sensory functioning under healthy conditions, while we know that cetacean behaviour, physiology, and pathology can be profoundly affected by human disturbances, like noise pollution and habitat destruction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuroanatomy of the Cetacean Sensory Systems

De Vreese,

Orekhova,

Morell

et al. 2023

Animals

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Cetaceans have undergone profound sensory adaptations in response to their aquatic environment during evolution. These adaptations are characterised by anatomo-functional changes in the classically defined sensory systems, shaping their neuroanatomy accordingly. This review offers a concise and up-to-date overview of our current understanding of the neuroanatomy associated with cetacean sensory systems. It encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from the peripheral sensory cells responsible for detecting environmental cues, to the intricate structures within the central nervous system that process and interpret sensory information. Despite considerable progress in this field, numerous knowledge gaps persist, impeding a comprehensive and integrated understanding of their sensory adaptations, and through them, of their sensory perspective. By synthesising recent advances in neuroanatomical research, this review aims to shed light on the intricate sensory alterations that differentiate cetaceans from other mammals and allow them to thrive in the marine environment. Furthermore, it highlights pertinent knowledge gaps and invites future investigations to deepen our understanding of the complex processes in cetacean sensory ecology and anatomy, physiology and pathology in the scope of conservation biology.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%