Final answer:
The reduced sensitivity to the smell in the elephant house over time is due to olfactory adaptation, a common physiological response where smell receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli.
Step-by-step explanation:
After a few minutes of being in the elephant house at the zoo, the perceived reduction in the foul smell is due to a process known as olfactory adaptation or olfactory fatigue. This is a common physiological response where the brain's receptors for smell become less sensitive to the constant stimuli of odorous molecules after prolonged exposure. As a result, the individual becomes less aware of the smell, even though it is still present. The process that causes the foul smell in the elephant house at the zoo to no longer affect you is called olfactory adaptation. Olfactory adaptation is a phenomenon in which the sense of smell becomes less sensitive to a constant or repetitive odor. It occurs due to the desensitization of the olfactory receptors in the nose.
In the case of the elephant house, the continuous exposure to the foul smell causes the olfactory receptors to become less responsive to the odor over time. This adaptation allows you to become less aware of the smell and reduces its impact on your senses. An example of olfactory adaptation can be seen in humans who work in environments with strong odors, such as coffee shops or bakeries. Initially, the smell may be overpowering, but over time, the individuals become less affected by it.