Minimal model of prey localization through the lateral-line system.
The clawed frog Xenopus is an aquatic predator catching prey at night by detecting water movements caused by its prey. We present a general method, a "minimal model" based on a minimum-variance estimator, to explain prey detection through the frog's many lateral-line organs, even in case several of them are defunct. We show how waveform reconstruction allows Xenopus' neuronal system to determine both the direction and the character of the prey and even to distinguish two simultaneous wave sources. The results can be applied to many aquatic amphibians, fish, or reptiles such as crocodiles.
Franosch
Jan-Moritz P
JM
Physik Department, Technische Universität München, 85747 Garching bei Munich, Germany.
Sobotka
Marion C
MC
Elepfandt
Andreas
A
van Hemmen
J Leo
JL
D000818:Animals; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*