What is the function of whiskers on animals?

Generally whiskers are considered to mediate a tactile sense, complementary to that of skin. This is advantageous to those animals that cannot always rely on sight to navigate and find food.

Experiments have shown that whiskers contribute to object localisation, orientation of the snout, detection of movement, texture and shape discrimination, exploration, locomotion, maintainance of equilibrium, maze learning, swimming and fighting.

Whiskers in marine animals have ten times the innervations of terrestrial mammals, allowing them to effectively detect vibrations in the water. Detecting vibrations are useful when the animals are foraging and may add to or even replace vision, particularly in darkness.

Sensory functions aside, movements of whiskers may also indicate the state of mind of the animal. They play an important role in social behaviour of rats.

The function of whiskers on animals is primarily sensory. They serve as highly sensitive tactile organs that help animals navigate their environment, detect nearby objects, and gather information about their surroundings. Whiskers contain specialized sensory nerves that are able to detect even subtle changes in air currents, vibrations, or objects they come into contact with. This sensory input helps animals determine the size, shape, texture, and movement of objects around them, aiding in activities such as hunting, navigation, and social interaction. Additionally, whiskers can also provide feedback about the animal's own movements, assisting in balance and coordination. Overall, whiskers play a crucial role in helping animals perceive and interact with their environment, enhancing their ability to survive and thrive.