Coursera Spring Sale
40% Off Coursera Plus Annual!
Grab it
Explore the remarkable science of sensory perception in this lecture from The Royal Institution's 1982 Christmas Lectures series, where neurobiologist Colin Blakemore investigates how sense organs function as sophisticated biological instruments. Discover the extraordinary sensitivity of human sensory systems, including how retinal rods can detect single photons of light and how the ear operates at the theoretical limits of physical detection. Learn about the incredible dynamic range of sensory organs, exemplified by the human eye's ability to function across ten thousand million million different light intensity levels, from the dimmest detectable light to bright sunlight. Examine the fundamental challenges faced by all sensory systems, including the balance between sensitivity and accuracy, and the problem of distinguishing genuine signals from internal biological noise. Understand how sense organs must not only detect weak signals but also discriminate between different types of stimuli while transmitting information through relatively low-quality nerve fiber connections to the brain. Compare human sensory capabilities with those of other animals, recognizing that each species inhabits its own unique perceptual world shaped by evolutionary needs. Witness live animal demonstrations that illustrate various sensory adaptations and capabilities found throughout the animal kingdom, revealing the diverse ways different creatures detect and interpret their environments.
