Multisensory perception in uncertain environments

Abstract

Animals must use cues from smells, sounds, and sights to reduce uncertainty about the environment. Despite the ecological relevance of multisensory perception in helping animals cope with uncertainty, empirical support from natural systems is rarely placed within an adaptive framework. The field of psychophysics provides a model for the study of cognitive processes by studying behavior. Using this as a foundation, we develop a framework that can be used to understand the evolutionary significance of multimodal perception. We develop predictions about the conditions under which multiple stimuli combine differently. A key outcome of our analysis is that the ecological context can influence the processes by which animals perceive multisensory stimuli. In addition to its theoretical importance, this framework predicts that anthropogenic activities can affect how animals perceive their environment, which may have profound ecological consequences. © 2012 The Author.