Geckos have more than one trick up their sleeve. These tropical lizards, known for their agility, possess another unexpected ability: they perceive vibrations around them.
Illustrative image Pexels
Researchers from the University of Maryland have revealed that these reptiles use their saccule to sense low-frequency vibrations. But what exactly does this discovery entail?
The saccule, a structure of the inner ear, is generally associated with balance. However, the study's results show that it fulfills another function in geckos: detecting frequencies ranging from 50 to 200 Hz. This vibrational ability allows them to interact with their environment in an entirely new way. Their auditory sense is thus complemented by a fine perception of terrestrial vibrations.
The study, published in
Current Biology, raises many questions about the evolution of sensory systems in vertebrates. The researchers point out that this ability is not limited to geckos. Other reptiles, particularly lizards and snakes, could also communicate through vibrational signals.
The discoveries surrounding the saccule provide a better understanding of how vertebrates have adapted to life on land. They suggest more complex auditory mechanisms than previously thought.
Finally, the researchers wonder if this sensory pathway could also exist in mammals. This could eventually offer new insights into human auditory disorders.
What is the saccule and how does it work?
The saccule is a small cavity located in the inner ear of vertebrates. Its primary role is to assist in maintaining balance by detecting movements and positional changes of the head. It is sensitive to vibrations and gravity.
In geckos, the saccule goes beyond this function. Recent studies show that it can perceive low-frequency vibrations, between 50 and 200 Hz. This sensory ability allows geckos to pick up signals present in their environment, such as movements in the ground.
These discoveries suggest that the saccule could have a similar function in other reptiles. It reveals an ancient link in the evolution of sensory systems, particularly for animals that evolved from aquatic to terrestrial environments.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND