Geometry, features, and orientation in vertebrate animals: A pictorial review

Ken Cheng and Nora S. Newcombe

Abstract

With much pictorial support, we review research on how vertebrate animals orient in enclosed rectilinear spaces. The phenomenon of the rotational error is introduced, along with the distinction between geometric and featural information. The circumstances under which a number of species use geometric and featural information for relocating a target place are reviewed. Other sections examine sex differences, cue competition (actually lack thereof) between geometric information and landmark cues, the neurophysiological bases underlying the coding of geometric information, and artificial intelligence. We then examine theoretical issues of 1) how geometry is encoded and used, 2) the modularity of mind, and 3) development. Finally, we give some suggestions for future research.

Sections of cyberchapter

Basic phenomenon, rats, birds, fish, monkeys, human adults, human children, sex differences, cue competition, neurophysiological bases, artificial intelligence, theories of geometric encoding, central modularity, output modularity, research suggestions, conclusions

Orientation to the cyberchapter

We recently reviewed this literature in print (Cheng & Newcombe, 2005). Here we present an updated and far more pictorial review. To take full advantage of the web format, results and theory are discussed briefly in words, in ‘nugget form’. Each section is illustrated by appropriate pictures and other visual presentations. The basic phenomenon and the distinction between geometric and featural information are crucial for understanding the entire literature. We suggest that you read this section first. The following sections on data can be read in any order as you wish:

Rats

Birds

Fish

Monkeys

Human adults

Human children

Sex differences

Cue competition

Neurophysiological bases

Artificial intelligence

We suggest, however, that you read at least a few of them before proceeding to the theoretical and concluding sections.

The nuggets only discuss work that are published or in press. But we have included links to works that are in progress or only presented at a conference.