Can we study whisker movements to gain insights into the natural sensory behaviours of mammals?

Abstract

Neuroscientists, behavioural scientists, mechanical engineers and roboticists collaborate in the broad field of whisker science to investigate tactile sensing and movement in mammals. Much of this research is focussed on the study of laboratory rodents, with important insights already gained from studying their whisker movements, control behaviours and the sensory processing of whisker signals. The findings of whisker behaviour studies in the laboratory have also formed the foundation for research in other captive settings, such as in zoos. However, without inspiration from more natural environments and stimuli, researchers are probably missing out on describing other important whisker behaviours, which may in turn give researchers better insights into the brain areas, signals and behaviours associated with active whisker touch sensing. Taking inspiration from recent findings from the field and zoo, developing more social and active foraging tasks for the laboratory would probably enrich whisker behaviour studies, as would including a wider variety of species. In the longer-term, a more integrated approach, with collaboration across laboratory, captive and field settings, will help to develop more natural behavioural tasks representative of what an animal experiences in the real world, which would give us greater insights into the natural sensory behaviours of mammals. This has implications for the fields of neuroscience, sensory biology and evolutionary biology, as well important applications for captive mammal health and welfare.