Range fractionation

Range fractionation is a term used in biology used to denote varying firing thresholds for different stimuli intensities. Sense organs are usually composed of many sensory receptors measuring the same property. These sensory receptors show a limited degree of precision due to an upper limit in firing rate. If the receptors are endowed with distinct transfer functions in such a way that the points of highest sensitivity are scattered along the axis of the quality being measured, the precision of the sense organ as a whole can be increased. This was shown for the chordotonal organ in the locust leg.