The ecology of electricity and electroreception

Abstract

Overview

Electricity, the interaction between electrically charged objects, is crucial to the functionality of various biological systems. Traditionally, studies have focused on the atomic, molecular, and cellular levels. The ecological scale, however, has often been overlooked.

Findings

• Electricity's role in natural ecological phenomena such as predator-prey dynamics, pollination, and animal dispersal is highlighted.
• Anthropogenic impacts on these natural systems are explored, underscoring the need for further research into these areas.
• The study introduces and elaborates the concept of electroreception - the biological detection of electric fields that are ecologically relevant.

Conclusion

The paper serves as a starting point for future explorations into electric ecology, particularly the newly discovered aspect of aerial electroreception which holds significant potential for expanding our understanding of ecological interactions.