THE FLICKER RESPONSE CONTOUR FOR THE ISOPOD ASELLUS

Abstract

The flicker response contour for the isopod Asellus is a simple probability integral (F - log I) over the whole determinable range (F = 1 to 51). This contrasts with the "distorted" asymmetrical curves obtained with Apis, Anax, and other arthropods with large convex eyes. The explanation of the distortion as due to mechanical conditions affecting photoreception is therefore confirmed, as the structure of the Asellus eye does not make such a factor likely to be expected for this case. The Asellus curve agrees with the only other available complete and uncomplicated flicker response contour (from Pseudemys, turtle with rod-free retina), in showing the superiority of the probability integral formulation as compared with certain others which have been suggested. It is noted as a curious and probably important fact that the relative dispersion of the intensity thresholds (σ'log I) for the elements implicated in determining the flicker contour appears to be identical in bee, dragon fly nymph, and isopod. Other relevant information derived from similar experiments with vertebrates shows that this quantity is specifically determined by the organization of the animal. The nature of the common feature of neural organization in three such diverse arthropods, as contrasted with the diversity seen within one class of vertebrates (e.g., teleosts), remains to be discovered.