Some people who are blind are able to use echolocation to locate objects and perceive shapes by making clicking noises and listening to the reverberations. When expert echolocators use this technique, _____.
A) they have 45% more activation in their frontal lobes than sighted individuals
B) they rely only on activation from the occipital lobe
C) the clicking sounds activate the auditory and visual cortices
D) the clicking sounds activate A1 but not subcortical structures

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When expert echolocators use echolocation, the clicking sounds activate both the auditory and visual cortices. This has been demonstrated through functional MRI studies, showing increased activity in these regions when echolocators use this technique. Option A is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest a specific percentage of activation in the frontal lobes. Option B is incorrect because echolocators do not rely solely on activation from the occipital lobe, as they are not receiving visual information. Option D is incorrect because subcortical structures have also been shown to be activated during echolocation.

Some People Who Are Blind Are Able to Use Echolocation