Die Stärke von optokinetischen Reaktionen auf verschiedene Mustergeschwindigkeiten

The strength of optokinetic reactions in the beetle Chlorophanus has been measured in relation to the angular velocity of a moving irregular stripe pattern (Fig. 2). The stimulus situation was so arranged that only one type of elementary perception mechanism was involved. As shown in Fig. 4 the reactions followed very well REICHARDT'S theoretical curve (⁵, Fig. 9), which was calculated from experiments on the interaction between single successive light stimuli in the eye (cf. the CNS) of Chlorophanus. Mathematical evaluation of the experimental facts shows that the two types (E and D ³, ⁵) of transmitting elements involved possess linear first order kinetics of reaction. The time constants of the E- and D-Elements proved to have the value of 3,5 sec and 46 msec, making a quotient of 76,24. These figures determine a nearly logarithmic relation between angular velocity and strength of reaction within the range from 2°/sec to 40°/sec, a maximum of reaction near 50°/sec and a logarithmic decrease from 100°/sec to 2000°/sec (see Fig. 4). - The experimental results confirmed, that the movement perception of the beetle Chlorophanus works in accordance with the principle of autocorrelation.