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Hearing in the FM-bat Phyllostomus discolor: a behavioral audiogram
Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Lesser spear-nosed bats possess sensitive hearing across a wide frequency range. Their audiogram shows peaks aligning with communication and echolocation calls, crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Bioacoustics
- Animal Communication
- Sensory Ecology
Background:
- Bats utilize complex vocalizations for communication and navigation.
- Understanding auditory sensitivity is key to deciphering bat behavior and ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the absolute auditory thresholds of the lesser spear-nosed bat (Phyllostomus discolor).
- To investigate the relationship between hearing sensitivity and the spectral characteristics of bat vocalizations.
Main Methods:
- Auditory thresholds were measured using a two-alternative forced-choice procedure.
- Pure tone stimuli were presented across a frequency range of 5-142 kHz.
Main Results:
- The bats' audiogram exhibited two main sensitivity peaks.
- Hearing thresholds increased significantly around 55 kHz and at the frequency range limits.
- Sensitivity peaks correlated with the bandwidths of species-specific directive and echolocation calls.
Conclusions:
- The auditory system of Phyllostomus discolor is finely tuned to its vocal repertoire.
- Hearing adaptations support both intraspecific communication and echolocation in this bat species.