Reliable Coding Of Small, Behaviourally Relevant Interaural Intensity Differences In A Pair Of Interneurons Of An Insect

Insects, as vertebrates and humans, use intensity differences between the two ears (IIDs) for sound localisation.


They are remarkably sensitive for small differences in the order of 1 - 2 dB. Here we investigated, using independent ear stimulation, how such small differences are reliably encoded in the binaural discharge differences of a pair of interneuron.


Starting with 1dB, these discharge differences are large and significant, with the louder side being more strongly excited. In a comparison of simultaneous responses of left and right neurons, more than 70% and 90% correct responses occur at intensity differences of 1dB and 2.5dB, respectively.


Royal Society journal Biology Letters


Biology Letters publishes short, innovative and cutting-edge research articles and opinion pieces accessible to scientists from across the biological sciences. The journal is characterised by stringent peer-review, rapid publication and broad dissemination of succinct high-quality research communications.


Biology Letters