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Predicting Achievable Fundamental Frequency Ranges in Vocalization Across Species
Ingo Titze1, Tobias Riede1,2, Ted Mau3
1National Center for Voice and Speech, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America.
Plos Computational Biology
|June 17, 2016
Summary
Vocal fold morphology optimizes sound production by varying length and tissue tension. These adaptations enhance vocal frequency range, crucial for species communication and human vocal performance.
Area of Science:
- Bioacoustics
- Comparative Anatomy
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Vocal folds generate sound across species, but the link between their structure and acoustic function is unclear.
- Understanding vocal fold optimization is key to explaining diverse species' vocal capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key vocal fold morphological variables influencing vibration frequency range.
- To explore how these adaptations relate to acoustic objectives across species.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a vibrating string model to predict fundamental frequency ranges.
- Analyzed vocal fold size and inferred laryngeal muscle control and tissue fiber stress.
Main Results:
- Vocal fold length primarily determines average fundamental frequency.
- Frequency range is enhanced by laryngeal muscle-controlled elongation and nonlinear tissue fiber tension.
- Joint mobility in cartilages (thyroid and cricoid) and specialized collagenous tissues increase frequency range.
Conclusions:
- Vocal fold frequency range is a multi-dimensional morphospace, not solely dependent on length.
- Morphological adaptations offer insights into vocal versatility in humans and other species.
- Findings have implications for voice therapy, vocal fold repair, and vocal training.
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