Compared to some other organsims such as insects, our sensory side of the nervous system seems to be different in many ways. We have restricted sensory transducers for sight, smell, electric, and magnetic fields. Birds can detect magnetic fields much better than we do, enabling them to fly north or south depending on the weather. Different organisms have a difference in the function of transducers. It seems to be because organisms live in different environments and evolved to have just a number of necessary transducers for survival.

Insects have more precise transducers for vision. Some insects have numerous numbers of eyes and are able to see things more precisely. Others also have unique transducers to see patterns on plants from ultraviolet rays. It is a question why we do not have the same ability. Maybe it is because we do not need such precise vision to survive. Our brain is able to allow us to view the three dimensional images from the rough information that is processed through the eye. The operation of the lateral inhibition network allows us to see a form of reality more realistic than the information which is provided. It allows us to see constant colors for permanent objects (checkerboard) although the amount of light intensity may change.

It is interesting to know that the brain is able to cover up and make an image for the hole we have in our eyes. It tells me that the brain has uniquie abilities to try and create a sense of reality for us. What we may see as reality may not be as realistic as it actually may be but the brain seems to be doing a good job in helping us think we 'see' reality.

In fact, unless we learn about what other organisms do, it rarely occurs to us to question that "good job" the brain is doing. In that sense, other organisms help us to appreciate a broader reality than the one we normally see. Presumably that one is good enough for us to survive, but its nice to try and expand it, no? PG