Abstract
Adequate temporal resolution is required across taxa to properly utilize amplitude modulated acoustic signals. Among mammals, odontocete marine mammals are considered to have relatively high temporal resolution, which is a selective advantage when processing fast traveling underwater sound. However, multiple methods used to estimate auditory temporal resolution have left comparisons among odontocetes and other mammals somewhat vague. Here we present the estimated auditory temporal resolution of an adult male white-beaked dolphin, (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), using auditory evoked potentials and click stimuli. Ours is the first of such studies performed on a wild dolphin in a capture-and-release scenario. The white-beaked dolphin followed rhythmic clicks up to a rate of approximately 1,125–1,250 Hz, after which the modulation rate transfer function (MRTF) cut-off steeply. However, 10% of the maximum response was still found at 1,450 Hz indicating high temporal resolution. The MRTF was similar in shape and bandwidth to that of other odontocetes. The estimated maximal temporal resolution of white-beaked dolphins and other odontocetes was approximately twice that of pinnipeds and manatees, and more than ten-times faster than humans and gerbils. The exceptionally high temporal resolution abilities of odontocetes are likely due primarily to echolocation capabilities that require rapid processing of acoustic cues.
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Abbreviations
- AEP:
-
Auditory evoked potentials
- AM:
-
Amplitude modulated
- EEG:
-
Electro encephalogram
- FFT:
-
Fast Fourier transform
- MRTF:
-
Modulation rate transfer function
- RFR:
-
Rate following response
- RMS:
-
Root mean square
- SAM:
-
Sinusoidally amplitude modulated
- SPL:
-
Sound pressure level
- V p–p :
-
Peak-to-peak voltage
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Acknowledgments
This study was conducted in accordance with Icelandic National Regulation number 279/2002 on animal experiments with permission of the Icelandic National Animal Research Committee, permit nr. 0706–2701 and with the full approval of the University of Hawaii Institutional Animal Care and Utilization Committee protocol number 06–036. We wish to thank the Danish Natural Science Research Council for major financial support (grant no. 272–05-0395). Monitoring of animal health and safety and the research cruise was facilitated by the dedicated work of Jeff Foster, Guðlaugur Bjarnason, Kristinn Runólfur Guðlaugsson and Katja Vinding Peterson. Tomonari Akamatsu, Jonas Teilmann, Meike Linnenschmidt, and Gisli A. Vikingsson were instrumental in data collection. Marlee Breese and Munch MacDonald were helpful in developing the stretcher and others at the Marine Mammal Research Program were valuable in technical support. This is contribution number 1332 from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and SOEST contribution number 7608.
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Mooney, T.A., Nachtigall, P.E., Taylor, K.A. et al. Auditory temporal resolution of a wild white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris). J Comp Physiol A 195, 375–384 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-009-0415-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-009-0415-x