Techsurvivors

Archives => 2003 => Topic started by: Xairbusdriver on February 10, 2003, 03:10:00 PM

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: Xairbusdriver on February 10, 2003, 03:10:00 PM

Can't seem to figure out how to find an answer to this: What is the term used to describe the action of certain animals ears when they move them to aid in hearing a sound? A cat does this and dogs a little less (maybe because their ears are usually so floppy!). But what is the proper term to describe this action? We often call it 'perky' but that is too general a term, IMHO.

Any help from all the cat lovers around here?

Jim C.

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: RobW on February 10, 2003, 03:34:00 PM

I don't know if this is the formal term, but I've heard it be described as "rotating" the ears to "localize" a sound.

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: jcarter on February 10, 2003, 07:25:00 PM

http://www.pbase.com/image/3340098
This is only one view.  They spin constantly.

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: Xairbusdriver on February 10, 2003, 08:42:00 PM

I agree, Rob, that's what they move for. I just figured there is some 'technical' name for that type of movement. I gave up Googing, probably need some specialized search engine. Maybe one with two sensors, that can move/rotate independantly!            

I think you need to use more conditioner, Jane!            

Jim C.

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: Gregg on February 10, 2003, 08:45:00 PM

Twitch?
listining?
ear-ly warning system adjustment?

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: kelly on February 10, 2003, 11:16:00 PM

Are you serious Jim?  

"Many animals have ears which can move. Have you ever seen a dog prick up his ears and move them from front to back?"

http://www.greenscreen.org/newsletter/arti...jr/BigEars.html

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: krissel on February 11, 2003, 02:27:00 AM

That's called the "early warning system".

   

It is especially true with horses. If you ever see one put its ears flat back against its head...either move away, get off or hold on!

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: snuffysbluff on February 11, 2003, 09:08:00 AM

I can wriggle my ears...I call it "wriggleing my ears".

But I believe you mean "focusing".

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: Bill on February 11, 2003, 09:17:00 AM

Snuffy ya just got me trying to "wriggle my ears". sheesh  
 
 [ 02-11-2003, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: Bill ]

Title: OT: Ear Ye, ear ye
Post by: Xairbusdriver on February 11, 2003, 10:13:00 AM

Yes, I am serious (as serious as I can be, anyway!). It was a question from a friend that has intrigued me, especially since I (we) can't seem to find any specific answer(s).    

"prick' is probably translitterated into 'perk' but it is still what I consider to be a colloquial(?) remark, not a defined term. It seems to refer mainly to the erection of the ears, not the other movements (individually or in tandem) I'm talking about.

'focusing' may be the closest we get! It is certainly indicative of what is happening.        

I also like "EARly warning system!"        

I can 'wiggle/move' both my ears at once, and you can too. Just shake your head back and forth! It's a little harder (and possibly dangerous!    ) to move them individually!        

Jim C.