Comparative assessment of amphibious hearing in pinnipeds

Auditory sensitivity in pinnipeds is influenced by the need to balance efficient sound detection in two vastly different physical environments. Previous comparisons between aerial and underwater hearing capabilities have considered media-dependent differences relative to auditory anatomy, acoustic c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Comparative Physiology 2013-06, Vol.199 (6), p.491-507
Main Authors: Reichmuth, Colleen, Holt, Marla M, Mulsow, Jason, Sills, Jillian M, Southall, Brandon L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acoustic Stimulation
acoustics
Animal Physiology
Animals
Audiometry, Pure-Tone
Auditory Threshold
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Caniformia - physiology
Caniformia - psychology
carnivores
Cetacea
correlation
Ecosystem
Female
Hearing
life history
Life Sciences
Male
Marine
Mirounga angustirostris
Neurosciences
Oceans and Seas
Original Paper
Phoca vitulina
Pinnipedia
Psychoacoustics
seals
Species Specificity
Zalophus
Zalophus californianus
Zoology
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Summary:Auditory sensitivity in pinnipeds is influenced by the need to balance efficient sound detection in two vastly different physical environments. Previous comparisons between aerial and underwater hearing capabilities have considered media-dependent differences relative to auditory anatomy, acoustic communication, ecology, and amphibious life history. New data for several species, including recently published audiograms and previously unreported measurements obtained in quiet conditions, necessitate a re-evaluation of amphibious hearing in pinnipeds. Several findings related to underwater hearing are consistent with earlier assessments, including an expanded frequency range of best hearing in true seals that spans at least six octaves. The most notable new results indicate markedly better aerial sensitivity in two seals (Phoca vitulina and Mirounga angustirostris) and one sea lion (Zalophus californianus), likely attributable to improved ambient noise control in test enclosures. An updated comparative analysis alters conventional views and demonstrates that these amphibious pinnipeds have not necessarily sacrificed aerial hearing capabilities in favor of enhanced underwater sound reception. Despite possessing underwater hearing that is nearly as sensitive as fully aquatic cetaceans and sirenians, many seals and sea lions have retained acute aerial hearing capabilities rivaling those of terrestrial carnivores.
ISSN:0340-7594
1432-1351
DOI:10.1007/s00359-013-0813-y