Processing of Visual Information in the Compound Eyes of Fireflies

萤火虫发出生物荧光信号， 通信 由于发出的光是暗淡的， 萤火虫提供了一个模型，研究如何优化 低强度光信号的检测。 迄今为止， 提出了萤火虫颜色的优化模型， 生物发光，主要是基于眼睛的敏感性， 不同种类的不同颜色的光，或光谱 灵敏度 该项目将调查一些 神经生理机制可以优化功能， 生态环境称为“光龛”， 环境光水平，例如黄昏与深夜。 研究 将检查视觉灵敏度和闪烁节奏是否会改变 与一天中的时间，如果光谱灵敏度的 光感受器在化合物的不同部分是不同的 眼睛，以及不同的色素在眼睛中的特殊作用 眼睛的细胞在改变光感受器反应中起作用。 该项目是一个多学科方法的典范， 了解感觉系统是如何适应 进化选择的压力对信号系统 和接收器。 结果将影响生态和 进化生物学，昆虫科学和动物行为， 以及神经科学。 研究环境将提供 培训学生的绝佳机会，特别是 少数民族，在当前的神经科学。

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.