What are Georeceptors?-Definition and Types

Georeceptors are sensory receptors, which respond to the force of gravity and are called receptors. They give animals information about their orientation, “up” and down. The term receptor refers to sensors that measure seismic waves or other types of vibrations. These devices are widely used in oil exploration, mining, and construction industries. They are also used in seismology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental monitoring.

Georeceptors are used in various fields such as oil exploration, mining, construction, seismology, meteorology, and environmental monitoring.

Types Of Georeceptors

There are two types of  receptors;

1. Statocysts

Most receptors are statocysts Statocysts consist of a fluid-filled chamber. This chamber is lined with sensory epithelium. This epithelium has cilia. Sold granules are present within the chamber. These granules are called statolith (lithos stone).

Any movement of the animal changes the position of the statolith. It moves the fluid. It alters the intensity and pattern of information arising from the sensory epithelium. For example, an animal moves.

It moves the statolith fluid over the sensory epithelium. This movement provides information about the position of the animal relative to the environment.

Statocysts In Burrowing Invertebrates

Statocysts are found in various gastropods, cephalopods, and crustaceans. nemertines,  polychaete, and scyphozoans. These animals use information from statocysts in different ways.

For example:

Burrowing invertebrates cannot rely on photoreceptors for orientation. They rely on receptors for orientation within the substratum.

Statocysts In Planktonic Animals

Planktonic animals orient in their three-dimensional aquatic environments with the help of statocysts. This is especially important at night and in deep water.

2. Air bubbles

Several aquatic insects detect gravity from air bubbles. These air bubbles are trapped in certain passageways (e.g., tracheal tubes). The carpenter’s level also uses air bubbles for orientation to gravity. The air bubbles stimulate sensory bristles. These sensory bristles line the tubes.