Umwelt
The term "Umwelt" refers to the concept of the environment as experienced by a particular organism. It highlights how different species perceive and interact with their surroundings based on their sensory capabilities and biological needs. For example, a dog experiences the world primarily through smell, while a hawk relies on keen eyesight.
Developed by the biologist Jakob von Uexküll, the idea of Umwelt emphasizes that each organism has a unique perspective shaped by its sensory modalities. This concept helps explain the diversity of behaviors and adaptations in the animal kingdom, illustrating how perception influences survival and interaction with the environment.