Zoologists Germany have uncovered a previously unknown sensory faculty elephants. It explains why the giant beasts' trunks are so dexterous. The scientists found that the whiskers the tip the trunk are sensitive enough to detect the smallest, most delicate objects. The scientists are the Haptic Intelligence Department the Max Planck Institute Intelligent Systems. They say the incredible sensitivity of the whiskers compensates for the elephant's poor eyesight. The whiskers are essential navigating, locating food, and social communication. The researchers say the whiskers are "smart" and give the elephant an added sense intelligence.
Scientists believe the insights their research will assist advancing robotics and neuroscience. Study co-author Dr Andrew Schulz said: "Each whisker elephants' trunks acts as a tactile sensory organ." This allows an elephant to pick something as delicate as a potato chip breaking it. The research could help increase dexterity robots. Dr Lena Kaufmann is excited about how the research could advance neuroscience. She said her findings "contribute to our understanding the tactile perception these fascinating animals". She says the study will increase our understanding "neuronal computation" — how the brain's neurons process information to think, feel, and act.
