The neurobiology of pop-out perception: a comparative study in owls

The immediate pop-out of objects or forms that break the regularity of background objects is a robust computational feat of the visual system. Yet the neural mechanisms as well as the evolutionary origin of pop-out perception are not fully understood. In this presentation, I will show behavioral and electrophysiological experiments in barn owls. Our behavioral results suggest that barn owls experience pop-outs likewise humans. We have found neural correlates of pop-out perception in the optic tectum (the avian homologue of the superior colliculus). Analysis of the electrophysiological results suggest diverse mechanisms for pop-out perception, part of this feat is attributed to active vision. This work support the notion that pop-out perception evolved early in evolution for adaptive behavior in complex visual environments. In addition, novel mechanisms for pop-out perception are suggested that may be relevant to other species including humans.