2007-02-15 06:10:37 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
As everyone else is saying, yes, they are like sensors. However, they also help with balance. For instance, if you were to trim a cat's wiskers on just one side, he would lose his sense of balance and walk as if he were intoxicated. I don't advise you actually do this as it can be considered animal cruelty.
2007-02-15 06:33:03 · answer #1 · answered by Xindy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are sensors but what do they sense? As someone said a dog or cat can sense teh edge of their pet door. My dog can sens the opening to his water dish in the dark. He knows when his snout is getting close to the ground. It is thought that walruses, which have HUGE whiskers, feeds on the bottom of the sea with both it's tusks and whiskers to feel shellfish and worms and other foods. SO the answer is sensing particularly while assisting with feeding. Birds such as nighthawks (nocturnal insectivores HAVE wiskers but swallows - diurnal insectivores DO NOT). So whiskers assist with feeding expecially where sight is limited.
2007-02-15 07:55:19 · answer #2 · answered by gebrelu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wiskers grow to be a little longer than the width of the animal so that the animal can use them to tell how wide an opening is prior to entering it so that it does not get stuck
2007-02-15 06:15:56 · answer #3 · answered by finn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well they are like sensors on them....for example a sea lion has them and when they are at the bottom of the ocean looking for food they use there whiskers but they are actually not called that they are called vibrsaes i dont know if i spelled it right but they have blood vessels in them soo i guess its just part of their body
2007-02-16 01:11:37 · answer #4 · answered by spongebob fan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they sort of act like sensors. the animal can feel whats in front of them just before they reach it. theyr very sensitive.
2007-02-15 14:39:40 · answer #5 · answered by rachel13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they're beneficial for animals that try to squeeze through tight places, if their whiskers can't fit, then their body won't fit
2007-02-15 06:14:18 · answer #6 · answered by LoriBeth 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they are sensors, as they serve a similar function as antennas do in many invertebrates.
2007-02-15 07:13:25 · answer #7 · answered by Falcon Man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It makes them look sexy...just kidding...it is for sensing and if i am not mistaking...the wiskers play a role in balance as well.
2007-02-15 06:15:48 · answer #8 · answered by behr28 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
their for feeling and for balancing if you cut one side short an animal will limp
2007-02-18 00:47:27 · answer #9 · answered by sweety 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sensing and equilibrium.
2007-02-15 06:32:22 · answer #10 · answered by Orion Quest 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋