Uses of hydrodynamic stimuli Hydrodynamic reception

since movement of object through water inevitably creates movement of water itself, , resulting water motion persists , travels, detection of hydrodynamic stimuli useful sensing conspecifics, predators, , prey. many studies based upon question of how aquatic organism can capture prey despite darkness or apparent lack of visual or other sensory systems , find sensing of hydrodynamic stimuli left prey responsible. detection of conspecifics, harbor seal pups enter water mother, ascend obtain oxygen, , dive again rejoin mother. observations suggest tracking of water movements produced mother , other pups allows rejoining occur. through these trips , following of conspecifics, pups might learn routes avoid predators , places find food, showing possible significance of hydrodynamic detection these seals.

hydrodynamic stimuli function in exploration of environment. example, blind cave fish create disturbances in water , use distortions of self-generated field complete spatial tasks, such avoiding surrounding obstacles.