Perceptions

A list of Perceptions, coinciding with Senses. Perceptions can be groupings of more detailed senses, or not exactly have a ‘sense of X’ title because of their more fluid application. Perception can be used interchangeably with sense, such as Visual Perception or Auditory Perception for Sight/Vision and Hearing respectively. This list is for more niche Perceptions and Senses, that often only occur in animals and insects than humans.

Perceptions

Thermoception

The perception of temperature, synonymous with Sense of Temperature. Hot and Cold are perceived through this ‘pathway’, as well as thermoregulation of the body at a more detailed, cellular and receptor level.

Electroception

The perception of electric fields, present in several shark, fish, ray, and insect or arachnid species, as well as dolphins. Humans do not have this perception, although it can arguably be presented in the effect of (static) electricity on the hairs, or how we can sense static electricity and certain electrical charges through our hair and body hair.

Hygroception

The perception of moisture in the air and environment. While humans can detect ‘dew’ and certain periods or places with high moisture (such as the sea air and cool, dewy mornings), ‘true’ hygroception is much more precise, present in things like insects where moisture in the air and environment can spell life or death, as well as help lead to food, water, and shelters. Specific receptors, called hygroreceptors, facilitate this in some insects.

Magnetoception

Magnetoception is the ability to determine or perceive the direction one is facing on the Earth. Birds use magnetoception or magnetic sense during migration to navigate. Bees and some insects have also been shown to have magnetoception.

Echolocation (‘Echoception’)

Echolocation is also a phenomena that occurs in some persons with blindness. This is a trope common in media, of a blind master warrior or sage whom can ‘see’ everything with echolocation and vibrations, such as the wave caused by tapping their stick or cane on the ground, and which allows them to ‘see’ deeper into people and their surroundings than normal persons with eyesight.