Making Observations Lecture
Collecting & processing sensory information
In this guide you will explore animal perception and cognition, including the role of sensory organs and the brain.
Video Overview
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Making Observations Lecture Guide Contents
The material from this guide and corresponding lecture is assessed on the weekly quiz.
Making Observations Objectives
Senses
Describe the various senses species use to interact with their external and internal environments; provide examples of interactions between sensory organs and the central nervous systems to form perception and test personal perceptions; and distinguish between observations and inferences, and provide an example of each.
Brains
Compare and contrast human brain structure and abilities to other animal species, explain how cognition relates to animals understanding the world, including examples of different forms of cognition in different species, and describe octopus characteristics including sensory organs, perception, and cognitive abilities.
Magnify & Measure
Describe the magnification possible with hand lenses and microscopes, explain why light sources and stains are important in magnification, and recognize and apply different forms of measurement used in animal research.
Microscopic Animals
Identify microscopic pond animals based on their structural characteristics, and list different forms of motion visible at different magnifications.
