Three-dimensional reconstructions of the dolphin ear

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TitleThree-dimensional reconstructions of the dolphin ear
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication1990
AuthorsKetten, D. R., and D. Wartzok
EditorsThomas, J., and R. Kastelein
Book TitleSensory Abilities of Cetaceans: Field and Laboratroy Evidence
Volume196
EditionProc. NATO ASI Ser. A, Life Sci.
Pagination81-105
PublisherPlenum Press
CityNew York and London
Accession Number7405
Call NumberDRK8427
Keywordsanatomy, basilar membrane, bioacoustics, bulla, cochlea, computerized tomography, ct scan, dolphins, ear, echolocation, ganglion cell density, ganglion cells, hearing, inner ear, marine mammals, odontocetes, sound production, sound reception, spiral lamina, temporal bones, x-ray
Abstract

The umwelt or perceptual world of odontocetes is largely defined by acoustic cues imperceptible to humans. Like bats, they use ultrasonic frequencies to echolocate. To penetrate this acoustic world, we must use indirect anatomical and psychophysical techniques. While bat research has incorporated anatomy and physiology to describe neural processing of echolocation signals, cetacean research, hampered by practical and legal restrictions, depends largely upon spectral and temporal analyses of emitted sounds coupled with behavioral observations. From these investigations, we have gained considerable information about the psycho-acoustics of dolphin echolocation, but we still know little about the receptor anatomy.