Echolocation
Echolocation
Echolocation (pronunciation: /ˌekoʊloʊˈkeɪʃən/), also known as bio sonar, is a biological method used by certain animals to navigate and locate objects. The term is derived from the Greek words "echo" meaning sound, and "location" referring to place or position.
Overview
Echolocation is a sensory system used by some animals to determine the location of objects in their environment. This is achieved by emitting calls or sounds and listening for the echoes that return from various objects near them. Animals that use echolocation include some species of bats, dolphins, and whales.
Mechanism
The mechanism of echolocation involves the emission of sounds, usually in the form of high-frequency waves, and the subsequent reception of their echoes. The time delay between the emission and reception of these waves allows the animal to calculate the distance and direction of the object. This information is then used to navigate, hunt, and avoid obstacles.
Applications in Medicine
In medicine, the principle of echolocation is used in ultrasound imaging. This non-invasive diagnostic technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is commonly used in obstetrics to monitor the development of the fetus, but can also be used to diagnose conditions in many parts of the body.
Related Terms
- Sonar: A system that uses transmitted and reflected underwater sound waves to detect and locate submerged objects or measure the distance to the floor of a body of water.
- Radar: A system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects.
- Lidar: A method that uses light from a laser to measure distances to, or other properties of, a target.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Echolocation
- Wikipedia's article - Echolocation
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