Aerial and underwater hearing sensitivity of a northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris)

1997 ◽  
Vol 102 (5) ◽  
pp. 3103-3103
Author(s):  
David Kastak ◽  
Ronald J. Schusterman
Keyword(s):  
Elephant Seal ◽  
Mirounga Angustirostris ◽  
Northern Elephant Seal ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Underwater Hearing

In-air and underwater hearing sensitivity of a northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris)

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (11) ◽  
pp. 1751-1758 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Kastak ◽  
R J Schusterman
Keyword(s):  
Sound Intensity ◽  
Elephant Seal ◽  
Mirounga Angustirostris ◽  
Underwater Sound ◽  
Northern Elephant Seal ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Deep Diving ◽  
Sound Detection ◽  
Underwater Hearing

In-air and underwater sound detection thresholds were obtained for a female northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris). Hearing sensitivity in air was generally poor, but was best for frequencies between 3.2 and 15 kHz, and showed greatest sensitivity at 6.3 kHz (43 dB re: 20 µPa). The upper frequency limit in air was approximately 20 kHz. The underwater audiogram is similar to those obtained from other phocids in that sensitivity was best between 3.2 and 45 kHz, with greatest sensitivity at 6.4 kHz (58 dB re: 1 µPa) and an upper frequency cutoff of approximately 55 kHz. The elephant seal was more sensitive to low frequencies (<1 kHz) than other pinnipeds tested. Thresholds obtained in water were lower than those obtained in air (19 dB in terms of sound pressure, 52 dB in terms of sound intensity), indicating that the elephant seal is adapted for underwater hearing. The outer and middle ears of the elephant seal are modified relative to those of other phocids. These modifications are probably needed to cope with extreme static pressures related to deep diving, and are likely to confer relatively good auditory sensitivity under water.

scholarly journals In-air hearing in Hawaiian monk seals: implications for understanding the auditory biology of Monachinae seals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandi Ruscher ◽  
Jillian M. Sills ◽  
Beau P. Richter ◽  
Colleen Reichmuth
Keyword(s):  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Elephant Seal ◽  
Critical Ratio ◽  
Mirounga Angustirostris ◽  
Northern Elephant Seal ◽  
Hearing Ability ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Monk Seals ◽  
Management And Conservation ◽  
Hearing Abilities

AbstractThe auditory biology of Monachinae seals is poorly understood. Limited audiometric data and certain anatomical features suggest that these seals may have reduced sensitivity to airborne sounds compared to related species. Here, we describe the in-air hearing abilities of a Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) trained to participate in a psychophysical paradigm. We report absolute (unmasked) thresholds for narrowband signals measured in quiet conditions across the range of hearing and masked thresholds measured in the presence of octave-band noise at two frequencies. The behavioral audiogram indicates a functional hearing range from 0.1 to 33 kHz and poor sensitivity, with detection thresholds above 40 dB re 20 µPa. Critical ratio measurements are elevated compared to those of other seals. The apparently reduced terrestrial hearing ability of this individual—considered with available auditory data for a northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris)—suggests that hearing in Monachinae seals differs from that of the highly sensitive Phocinae seals. Exploration of phylogenetic relationships and anatomical traits support this claim. This work advances understanding of the evolution of hearing in amphibious marine mammals and provides updated information that can be used for management and conservation of endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

Ultrastructural, Sensory and Functional Anatomy of the Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris) Facial Vibrissae

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-496
Author(s):  
H. Smodlaka ◽  
I. Galex ◽  
L. Palmer ◽  
J. A. Borovac ◽  
W. A. Khamas
Keyword(s):  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Elephant Seal ◽  
Mirounga Angustirostris ◽  
Northern Elephant Seal

Directionality of male northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) threat calls and how it influences receiver behavior.

2011 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 2505-2505
Author(s):  
Marla M. Holt ◽  
Brandon L. Southall ◽  
Stephen J. Insley ◽  
Ronald J. Schusterman
Keyword(s):  
Elephant Seal ◽  
Mirounga Angustirostris ◽  
Northern Elephant Seal

PHARMACOKINETIC STUDY OF ORAL ε-AMINOCAPROIC ACID IN THE NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL (MIROUNGA ANGUSTIROSTRIS)

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 438-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarrah Kaye ◽  
Shawn Johnson ◽  
Robert D. Arnold ◽  
Ben Nie ◽  
Joshua T. Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacokinetic Study ◽  
Aminocaproic Acid ◽  
Elephant Seal ◽  
Mirounga Angustirostris ◽  
Northern Elephant Seal
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