ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an explorative study of the different biological sensory systems with the associated signal processing and the possible engineering adaptation of the relevant systems. The types of biological sensors, such as advanced sonar, infrared (IR) thermal sensors, advanced gas sensors, image sensor, vibration detector and chemical sensor, found in nature exhibit enormous variation. Bat echolocation is a perceptual system where ultrasonic sounds are emitted specifically to produce echoes. Echolocating bats use frequency modulated (FM) or constant frequency (CF) signals for orientation and foraging. The chapter presents the amazing acoustical defense mechanisms of nocturnal insects, against the attacks of the bats. It also presents brief discussions on sensory systems of several other species, including electrolocation by fish, polarized light sensing by shrimps, bioluminescence in marine lives, acoustic mimicry in insects, advanced gas sensing in beetles, flexible mechanical structures of cockroaches, chemical sensing and communication in ants, etc. Bats: Echolocation.
