[Campbell Biology P.1158] Which of the following statements correctly describes a characteris... | Practice Question
Which of the following statements correctly describes a characteristic or distinction between sensory amplification and sensory adaptation?
A: Sensory amplification primarily occurs in accessory structures of sense organs, while sensory adaptation occurs only at the level of the sensory receptor cell membrane.
B: Amplification refers to the strengthening of a sensory signal, whereas sensory adaptation involves a decrease in responsiveness to continued stimulation.
C: Both amplification and sensory adaptation are processes that always increase the perceived intensity of a stimulus.
D: Amplification is a general biological term for evolutionary changes, while sensory adaptation is specific to the nervous system's immediate response.
Explanation
The text defines 'Amplification' as 'the strengthening of a sensory signal during transduction' and provides examples of significant increases in signal energy/pressure. It defines 'sensory adaptation' as a 'decrease in responsiveness known as sensory adaptation' upon 'continued stimulation.' These definitions directly support option B.