Final answer:
The receptor cells that show convergent connectivity for loudness discrimination are the inner hair cells in the cochlea. Convergent connectivity allows for increased sensitivity to loudness variations and the ability to discriminate between different sound intensities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The receptor cells that show convergent connectivity for loudness discrimination are the inner hair cells in the cochlea. These inner hair cells synapse with a large number of afferent neurons, allowing for the integration of auditory signals from multiple hair cells.
For example, when there is a higher intensity sound, a larger number of inner hair cells will be stimulated, resulting in a stronger signal being transmitted to the cochlear nerve and eventually to the brain.
Convergent connectivity allows for increased sensitivity to loudness variations and the ability to discriminate between different sound intensities.