Toad with the nail, the fascination of physicists

2004/01/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Zoologia

Some physicists in Munich have explained the activity of Xenopus laevis toad neurons through a mathematical model. The toad can catch floating insects at night when the area is completely dark and physicists are fascinated by this hunting technique.

(Photo: www.h-nds.de).

According to physicists, the toad interprets the water waves to know where the insect is and its size and appearance. It detects waves through sensitive organs aligned to the sides of the body and with this information finds the prey. Among other things, it can detect two insects at once, distinguishing its contribution to the complex wave they generate.

The capacity of the toad has been represented by physicists through a mathematical model. If this model is correct, other aquatic animals can be investigated in the same way.