A Peacock’s Tail: The Party Never Ends
27
sensation which exists only inside you, not in the air or the instrument. Almost
every quality we experience has a biological origin, and the particular way we
feel it is only in loose correspondence with its physical triggers.
It is important to understand why animals and humans transform and
rework the environmental information delivered by the senses. Over evolutionary time, it has proved adaptive for animals to become sensitive to important
signals from their environment, which the brain then intensifies. If environmental data were represented without any enhancement or embellishment, it
would not get the attention that is needed. Moreover, information from the
environment is often fine-grained and complex, hence the signals need to be
modulated and exaggerated in order for a subject to capture the nuances and
fine distinctions. Signals which are easily confused are presented in such a way
that the differences between them are amplified.
In order for signals from the outside world to be immediately understood,
they must be associated in mind with their meaning. In order to achieve this,
signals are transformed by the brain so each one—when it is experienced—has
an individual character and style which evoke relevant associations. Also, every
important signal gains prominence by having a particular emotional coloring.
Everything that is perceived is overlaid with a veneer of emotion, which is
essential in order for us to pay the appropriate attention to it and identify
it. The emotional energy that comes with everything that we experience adds
salience to it and makes it more memorable. It brings events to life. 8
Animals and even plants have learned to exploit the perceptual sensitivities
of organisms for their own purposes. They have adaptations which allow them
to respond to, as well as produce strategic signals. As an example of how signals
are used in nature, venomous animals such as wasps, poison frogs and rockfish
are usually adorned in very vivid colors in order to warn other animals and
keep them at a distance. The brighter and more conspicuous the animal, the
more toxic it usually is. Likewise, we are all familiar with the vivid colors of
tree leaves in the Fall. This is meant as a warning signal from the trees to aphids
and other species that migrate to trees at Autumn-time.
In some animal species—birds in particular—conspicuous signaling shapes
and defines their social mores. Peacocks and some other birds have evolved
extravagant, flamboyant plumage to enhance their attractiveness to potential
mates. The tail feathers of peacocks form a train that is twice the length of
their bodies, decorated with iridescent eyespots ringed with blue and bronze.
In courtship displays, the peacock’s tail feathers are arched into a huge fan of
fantastical appearance, and made to vibrate, giving the feathers of the train a
shimmering appearance. In the peacock world, the party never ends. 9
27
sensation which exists only inside you, not in the air or the instrument. Almost
every quality we experience has a biological origin, and the particular way we
feel it is only in loose correspondence with its physical triggers.
It is important to understand why animals and humans transform and
rework the environmental information delivered by the senses. Over evolutionary time, it has proved adaptive for animals to become sensitive to important
signals from their environment, which the brain then intensifies. If environmental data were represented without any enhancement or embellishment, it
would not get the attention that is needed. Moreover, information from the
environment is often fine-grained and complex, hence the signals need to be
modulated and exaggerated in order for a subject to capture the nuances and
fine distinctions. Signals which are easily confused are presented in such a way
that the differences between them are amplified.
In order for signals from the outside world to be immediately understood,
they must be associated in mind with their meaning. In order to achieve this,
signals are transformed by the brain so each one—when it is experienced—has
an individual character and style which evoke relevant associations. Also, every
important signal gains prominence by having a particular emotional coloring.
Everything that is perceived is overlaid with a veneer of emotion, which is
essential in order for us to pay the appropriate attention to it and identify
it. The emotional energy that comes with everything that we experience adds
salience to it and makes it more memorable. It brings events to life. 8
Animals and even plants have learned to exploit the perceptual sensitivities
of organisms for their own purposes. They have adaptations which allow them
to respond to, as well as produce strategic signals. As an example of how signals
are used in nature, venomous animals such as wasps, poison frogs and rockfish
are usually adorned in very vivid colors in order to warn other animals and
keep them at a distance. The brighter and more conspicuous the animal, the
more toxic it usually is. Likewise, we are all familiar with the vivid colors of
tree leaves in the Fall. This is meant as a warning signal from the trees to aphids
and other species that migrate to trees at Autumn-time.
In some animal species—birds in particular—conspicuous signaling shapes
and defines their social mores. Peacocks and some other birds have evolved
extravagant, flamboyant plumage to enhance their attractiveness to potential
mates. The tail feathers of peacocks form a train that is twice the length of
their bodies, decorated with iridescent eyespots ringed with blue and bronze.
In courtship displays, the peacock’s tail feathers are arched into a huge fan of
fantastical appearance, and made to vibrate, giving the feathers of the train a
shimmering appearance. In the peacock world, the party never ends. 9