Abstract

Animal species utilize various modes of perception based on their individual adaptations and survival needs. The sensory organs of an organism serve as an interface between the present environment and the organism’s central nervous system (Dangles et. al, 2009). An organism will make decisions based on the information being perceived and processed by that individual's nervous system. Studies investigate the mechanisms of these interactions in a variety of ways, from studying physiology and functional morphology, to conducting observational studies of perception. These studies concerning perception and cognition in animals can help to uncover parallels between animal species, as well as between humans and non-human animals. Human activity and urban expansion are consistently changing the environment in many ways, some of which we may not be able to immediately perceive. As we further interact with our environment, it is important to understand our impact on the natural world. Understanding the cognitive processes which animal species utilize to make decisions not only helps to form parallels between various species, but it can also aid in conservation efforts for species by studying how species may interact with a changing environment. The purpose of this project is to examine and illustrate the various modes of perception in the species currently featured in research by the Comparative Cognition and Perception (CCP) lab at Rochester Institute of Technology. These illustrations supplement CCP lab research by depicting the unique modes of perception and cognition in these species, while comparing these modes of cognition to those of humans These studies and illustrations primarily focus on the North American river otter (L. Canadensis), but also feature the Common/Comet goldfish (C. auratus) as well as humans. An additional purpose of this project was to create illustrations of the current studies conducted by the CCP lab, to serve as exemplary figures in CCP lab research publications.

Publication Date

4-6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Medical Illustration(MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Medical Illustration

College

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Advisor

James Perkins

Advisor/Committee Member

Craig Foster

Advisor/Committee Member

Caroline DeLong

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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