Physical constraints on blue whale sound production mechanisms derived from matched‐field processing

1999 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 993-993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron M. Thode ◽  
Gerald L. D’Spain ◽  
William A. Kuperman
Keyword(s):  
Sound Production ◽  
Blue Whale ◽  
Matched Field Processing ◽  
Physical Constraints ◽  
Production Mechanisms

scholarly journals Vocal Creativity in Elephant Sound Production

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 750
Author(s):  
Angela S. Stoeger ◽  
Anton Baotic ◽  
Gunnar Heilmann
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Sound Production ◽  
Vocal Learning ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Social Feedback ◽  
Nasal Tissue ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Production Mechanisms

How do elephants achieve their enormous vocal flexibility when communicating, imitating or creating idiosyncratic sounds? The mechanisms that underpin this trait combine motoric abilities with vocal learning processes. We demonstrate the unusual production techniques used by five African savanna elephants to create idiosyncratic sounds, which they learn to produce on cue by positive reinforcement training. The elephants generate these sounds by applying nasal tissue vibration via an ingressive airflow at the trunk tip, or by contracting defined superficial muscles at the trunk base. While the production mechanisms of the individuals performing the same sound categories are similar, they do vary in fine-tuning, revealing that each individual has its own specific sound-producing strategy. This plasticity reflects the creative and cognitive abilities associated with ‘vocal’ learning processes. The fact that these sounds were reinforced and cue-stimulated suggests that social feedback and positive reinforcement can facilitate vocal creativity and vocal learning behavior in elephants. Revealing the mechanism and the capacity for vocal learning and sound creativity is fundamental to understanding the eloquence within the elephants’ communication system. This also helps to understand the evolution of human language and of open-ended vocal systems, which build upon similar cognitive processes.

DETERMINISTIC CHAOS IN SOUNDS OF ASIAN CICADAS

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (04) ◽  
pp. 555-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
TINA P. BENKO ◽  
MATJAŽ PERC
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Time Series Analysis ◽  
Sound Production ◽  
Deterministic Chaos ◽  
Nonlinear Time Series ◽  
Nonlinear Time Series Analysis ◽  
Maximal Lyapunov Exponent ◽  
Sound Recording ◽  
Series Analysis ◽  
Production Mechanisms

We analyze the sound recording of the Southeast Asian cicada Tosena depicta with methods of nonlinear time series analysis. First, we reconstruct the phase space from the sound recording and test it against determinism and stationarity. After positively establishing determinism and stationarity in the series, we calculate the maximal Lyapunov exponent. We find that the latter is positive, from which we conclude that the sound recording possesses clear markers of deterministic chaos. We discuss that methods of nonlinear time series analysis can yield instructive insights and foster the understanding of acoustic and vibrational communication among insects, as well as provide vital clues regarding the origin and functionality of their sound production mechanisms. Furthermore, such studies can serve as means to distinguish different insect genera or even species either from each other or under various environmental influences.

scholarly journals Bony Nares Air Pressure and Nasal Plug Muscle Activity during Click Production in the Harbour Porpoise, Phocoena Phocoena, and the Bottlenosed Dolphin, Tursiops Truncatus

1983 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 275-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. AMUNDIN ◽  
S. H. ANDERSEN
Keyword(s):  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Sound Production ◽  
Harbour Porpoise ◽  
Air Pressure ◽  
Maximum Pressure ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Phocoena Phocoena ◽  
Bottlenosed Dolphin ◽  
Considerable Pressure ◽  
Production Mechanisms

Sound production mechanisms have been studied in two delphinid species - the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena (L.), and the bottlenosed dolphin, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu). It was found that, in both species, the click sound production was coupled to a considerable pressure increase in the bony nares. The maximum pressure recorded in Phocoena was approximately 54 kPa and in Tursiops close to 81 kPa; it was equal in time and amplitude in both nares. The nasal plug muscle was found to be active up to 450 ms prior to and during sound production. Sound production without such activity was not seen. The results suggest that an identical mechanism underlies click production in both species, with pressurized air being the driving force and the nasal plug muscle having some active regulating function. Probes were inserted into the bony nares of three harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, and one bottlenosed dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, in order to record air pressure variations together with sound production. Sounds were picked up by a hydrophone manually held to the forehead of the animals. In several of the Phocoena recordings, electromyographic activity in the nasal plug muscle was also recorded.

‘Un chant d'appel amoureux’: acoustic communication in moths

1999 ◽  
Vol 202 (13) ◽  
pp. 1711-1723 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.E. Conner
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Sound Production ◽  
Species Recognition ◽  
Female Mate Choice ◽  
Motor Systems ◽  
Ultrasonic Signals ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Courtship Signals ◽  
Detection Mechanisms ◽  
Production Mechanisms

Tympanal sound receptors in moths evolved in response to selective pressures provided by echolocating insectivorous bats. The presence of these ultrasound detectors also set the stage for the later evolution of ultrasonic courtship signals in the tympanate moth families. Male moths have repeatedly exploited the bat-detection mechanisms in females for the purpose of finding, identifying and obtaining mates. Ultrasonic courtship has been described in several members of the moth families Arctiidae, Noctuidae and Pyralidae, and ultrasound is predicted to play a significant role in the courtship of other tympanate moths including the Sphingidae, Lymantriidae, Notodontidae and Geometridae. Ultrasonic signals are involved in species recognition, in male-male competition for mates and in female mate-choice systems. Pre-existing motor systems, including those involved in bat defence, have also been exploited for the purpose of generating high-frequency courtship signals. Sound production mechanisms in moths include thoracic tymbals, tegular tymbals, alar castanets and genital stridulatory organs. Thus, in both their sensory and motor aspects, the weapons of bat/moth warfare have frequently evolved into components of courtship systems.

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