The article discusses how organisms respond to human-induced rapid environmental changes (HIREC), such as habitat loss, exotic species, pollution, and climate change. It emphasizes the role of evolutionary history in shaping species' ability to adapt to these changes. The authors argue that species with traits that allow them to cope with HIREC, such as behavioral plasticity, are more likely to survive. However, species with limited evolutionary history may struggle to adapt, leading to population declines or extinctions. The article highlights that while some species thrive in altered environments, others suffer. This variation is influenced by factors such as behavioral flexibility, the match between past and new environments, and the ability to learn or evolve in response to changes. The authors propose a sensory ecology framework to understand how organisms detect, recognize, and respond to novel environmental cues. They suggest that species with general cues are more likely to respond to new situations, while those with specific cues may fail to adapt. The article also discusses the importance of detection theory in predicting how organisms respond to novel stimuli. This theory helps ecologists understand how organisms distinguish between different environmental states and make decisions based on cues. The authors emphasize that species with high discriminability (ability to distinguish between cues) are better at adapting to HIREC, while those with low discriminability may struggle. In conclusion, the article underscores the need for a better understanding of evolutionary history in shaping species' responses to HIREC. It suggests that future research should focus on how species adapt to these changes, particularly in terms of behavioral plasticity and the role of evolutionary history in shaping responses to novel environments. The authors argue that a mechanistic, sensory ecology approach is essential for predicting and understanding how species will respond to HIREC in the future.The article discusses how organisms respond to human-induced rapid environmental changes (HIREC), such as habitat loss, exotic species, pollution, and climate change. It emphasizes the role of evolutionary history in shaping species' ability to adapt to these changes. The authors argue that species with traits that allow them to cope with HIREC, such as behavioral plasticity, are more likely to survive. However, species with limited evolutionary history may struggle to adapt, leading to population declines or extinctions. The article highlights that while some species thrive in altered environments, others suffer. This variation is influenced by factors such as behavioral flexibility, the match between past and new environments, and the ability to learn or evolve in response to changes. The authors propose a sensory ecology framework to understand how organisms detect, recognize, and respond to novel environmental cues. They suggest that species with general cues are more likely to respond to new situations, while those with specific cues may fail to adapt. The article also discusses the importance of detection theory in predicting how organisms respond to novel stimuli. This theory helps ecologists understand how organisms distinguish between different environmental states and make decisions based on cues. The authors emphasize that species with high discriminability (ability to distinguish between cues) are better at adapting to HIREC, while those with low discriminability may struggle. In conclusion, the article underscores the need for a better understanding of evolutionary history in shaping species' responses to HIREC. It suggests that future research should focus on how species adapt to these changes, particularly in terms of behavioral plasticity and the role of evolutionary history in shaping responses to novel environments. The authors argue that a mechanistic, sensory ecology approach is essential for predicting and understanding how species will respond to HIREC in the future.