Question

Individual neurons in the brain respond preferentially to lines in particular orientations. If you stare at a pattern of lines tilted slightly to the left for a while, the neurons that prefer that orientation eventually stop responding to them. When you then look at vertical lines, they appear to be tilted slightly to the right, an illusion called the tilt aftereffect. What does this selective adaptation experiment tell us

Answer 1

The experiment tells us that adaptation is selective, because only neurons that were responding to verticals or near verticals adapt, and neurons that were not firing do not adapt.

Step-by-step explanation:

Selective adaptation is a procedure in which a person or animal is selectively exposed to one stimulus, and then the effect of this exposure is assessed by testing with a wide range of stimuli. Typically, sensitivity to the exposed stimulus is decreased.

When we view a stimulus with a specific property, neurons tuned to that property fire. When you look at something for a long time response is reduced, caused by prior or continuing stimulation.

Therefore, neurons that respond best to vertical lines and meet differently oriented lines will become fatigued and adapted to lines that are slanted.

So when a vertical line is presented again, the eyes will be adapted and straight line neurons fatigued and a straight line will be seen as a slanted line.