THE South American bush katydid (Copiphora gorgonensis)
has ears less than a millimeter long, yet they work in a way very
similar to human ears. The insect can distinguish a wide range of
frequencies from long distances. For example, it can tell the difference
between the sound of another katydid and the ultrasound of a bat that
is hunting.
KATYDID’S EAR
Consider: The
katydid’s ears are located on its two front legs. Like the human ear,
the ear of the katydid collects sound, converts it, and analyzes the
frequency. But scientists have discovered a unique organ inside the ear
of this insect
cochlea of mammals but is much smaller. The acoustic
vesicle is responsible for the katydid’s remarkable hearing.
Professor Daniel Robert, of the
University of Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences in the United
Kingdom, says this discovery will help engineers “develop bio-inspired
hearing devices that are smaller and more accurate than ever before.”
Researchers believe it will also contribute to the next generation of
ultrasonic engineering technology, including imaging systems for
hospitals.
What do you think? Did the remarkable hearing of the katydid come about by evolution? Or was it designed?
Source: jw.org
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