Which of the following is an example of sensory adaptation? Question 26 options: After spending some time with your friends, you see that one of them looks a little sad. After being on the plane for a while, you no longer notice the loud wind turbines. After spending time on a puzzle, you get better at noticing the distinguishing details of the pieces. After singing for a while, your voice begins to get sore
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
After being on the plane for a while, you no longer notice the loud wind turbines.
Explanation
Sensory adaptation refers to the process by which our sensory receptors become less responsive to constant or unchanging stimuli over time. This phenomenon helps our brain focus on changes in the environment rather than stimuli that remain constant and are less likely to require immediate attention. The correct answer is the scenario where a person no longer notices the loud wind turbines after being on the plane for a while. This illustrates sensory adaptation because the individual’s auditory system has become accustomed to the continuous noise, effectively tuning it out.
Initially, loud noises such as those from wind turbines on a plane are very noticeable and potentially even uncomfortable. However, as time passes and the noise remains constant, the brain starts to ignore it. This happens because there is no new or changing information in the stimulus that would signal something important or threatening. The nervous system prioritizes novel stimuli, which could indicate changes in the environment that need a response.
In contrast, the other choices do not describe sensory adaptation. Noticing that a friend looks sad is a form of emotional or social perception. Getting better at solving a puzzle through experience is an example of learning or perceptual training. Feeling soreness in your voice after singing for a long time is related to muscle fatigue or strain, not to the sensory systems adapting to a stimulus.
Sensory adaptation can occur across various sensory modalities, including vision, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. For example, you may stop noticing the feeling of your clothes on your skin, or a strong scent in a room may seem to fade after being there for a few minutes. This adaptive process helps prevent sensory overload and allows us to focus on more significant or changing aspects of our surroundings.
