Multisensory horizon
Journal
Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Journal Volume
49
ISSN
0140-525X
1469-1825
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Cheng, Tony
Abstract
This comment critiques the concept of “sensory horizon” for focussing narrowly on vision, overlooking aquatic animals’ rich multisensory integration. Aquatic vertebrates possess sophisticated auditory, mechanosensory, olfactory, and tactile systems that support essential behaviours. Evidence indicates that multisensory integration evolved in water, challenging visual-centric views. We thus urge replacing “sensory horizon” with “multisensory horizon” to more accurately reflect ecological and evolutionary realities.
Subjects
Animals
Aquatic Organisms
Biological Evolution
Humans
Visual Perception
water
adult
aged
controlled study
female
haptic interface
human
multisensory integration
nonhuman
review
vision
animal
aquatic species
evolution
physiology
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Type
journal article