Biomechanical evidence of low to infrasonic hearing in Mysticetes: implications for impacts

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TitleBiomechanical evidence of low to infrasonic hearing in Mysticetes: implications for impacts
Publication TypeConference Poster
AuthorsKetten, D. R., J. J. Arruda, S. R. Cramer, A. L. Zosuls, and D. C. Mountain
Conference Name30th Workshop of the Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture School of Ethology
Conference LocationErice, Sicily
Year of Publication2013
Abstract

Knowing the hearing sensitivities of marine mammals is fundamental to mitigating noise impacts. There are no direct hearing measures for any mysticete. Vocalization data suggest they have acute low and infrasonic (LF/IF) hearing and may be especially sensitive to anthropogenic sources. To address this issue, we analyzed the anatomy and material properties of dolphin, whale, and land mammal ears to determine whether mysticetes, like elephants, have ears specialized for IF/LF hearing.

Keywordsdolphin, elephant, hearing sensitivities, infrasonic, low frequency, mysticete hearing, mysticetes, vocalization, whale
Citation Key6244