ISSN:
1432-1351
Keywords:
Key words Mole-rat
;
Vocalization
;
Acoustic communication
;
Subterranean mammal
;
Hearing
;
Evolution
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract In captive adult Zambian mole-rats 14 different sounds (13 true vocalizations) have been recorded during different behavioural contexts. The sound analysis revealed that all sounds occurred in a low and middle frequency range with main energy below 10 kHz. The majority of calls contained components of 1.6–2 kHz, 0.63–0.8 kHz, and/or 5–6.3 kHz. The vocalization range thus matched well the hearing range as established in other studies. The frequency content of courtship calls in two species of Zambian Cryptomys was compared with that in naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber) and blind mole-rats (Spalax ehrenbergi) as described in the literature. The frequency range of maximum sound energy is negatively correlated with the body weight and coincides with the frequencies of best hearing in the respective species. In general, the vocalization range in subterranean mammals is shifted towards low frequencies which are best propagated in underground burrows.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003590050045
