Processing of Visual Information in the Compound Eyes of Fireflies

萤火虫发出生物发光的光信号进行视觉交流。由于发出的光很微弱，萤火虫的视觉系统为研究如何优化检测低强度光信号提供了一个模型。迄今为止的工作已经允许提出一个萤火虫生物发光颜色的优化模型，该模型主要基于不同物种的眼睛对不同颜色的光的敏感度或光谱灵敏度。该项目将研究一些神经生理机制如何在与环境光照水平相关的时间，如黄昏与深夜，在被称为“光位”的生态环境中优化功能。研究将检查视觉灵敏度和闪烁节奏是否会随着一天的时间而改变，复眼不同部位的光感受器的光谱灵敏度是否不同，以及眼睛细胞中不同的光色素在改变光感受器反应中起什么特殊作用。这个项目是一个多学科的模型方法来理解一个感觉系统是如何适应信号系统和接收器的进化选择压力的。结果将涉及生态和进化生物学，昆虫科学和动物行为，以及神经科学。研究环境将为培养学生，特别是少数民族学生在当前神经科学方面提供极好的机会。

Fireflies emit bioluminescent light signals for visual communication. Since the light emitted is dim, the visual system of fireflies offers a model for investigating how to optimize detection of low-intensity optical signals. Work to date has allowed proposing an optimization model for the colors of firefly bioluminescence, based largely on the sensitivity of the eyes of different species for light of different colors, or spectral sensitivity. This project will investigate how some neurophysiological mechanisms can optimize functioning in ecological settings called "photic niches" at times related to ambient light levels, such as dusk versus late night. Studies will examine if visual sensitivity and flashing rhythm may change with time of day, if the spectral sensitivity of the photoreceptors is different in different parts of the compound eye, and what particular role the different photopigments in the cells of the eye play in modifying the photoreceptor responses. This project is a model multidisciplinary approach to understanding how a sensory system has become adapted in response to evolutionary selection pressure on both the signalling system and the receiver. Results will bear on ecological and evolutionary biology, on insect science and animal behavior, as well as neuroscience. The research environment will provide excellent opportunities for training students, particularly minorities, in current neuroscience.