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Adaptation matches the transfer functions of sensory receptors and sensory neurons to the distribution of incoming signals. It is well established that this matching improves the ability of neurons to code information within constraints imposed by intrinsic (neural) noise and a limited dynamic range. I will present and discuss evidence from insect and mammalian visual systems which suggests that adaptation enables sensory systems to code efficiently within constraints imposed by the consumption of metabolic energy. Energy efficiency is achieved by taking account of the distributions of signal and noise in a landscape that is determined by the basic biophysics of signalling. |
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