Acoustic signals of a solitary subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae): physical characteristics and behavioural correlates

Schleich, Cristian E.; Busch, Cristina

doi:10.1007/s10164-002-0064-9

Cited by 42 publications

(54 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Vocalizations of several species representing five subterranean rodent genera studied so far (Fukomys, Ctenomys, Heterocephalus, Spalacopus, and Spalax) showed tuning to a lower frequency range than that in above-ground rodents (Credner et al 1997;Heth et al 1988;Nevo et al 1987;Pepper et al 1991;Schleich and Busch 2002;Veitl et al 2000). Correspondingly, behavioural audiograms of five species of five subterranean rodent genera (Fukomys, Geomys, Heterocephalus, Spalacopus and Spalax) revealed the highest hearing sensitivity in this lower frequency range (0.5-4 kHz; Begall et al 2004;Brückmann and Burda 1997;Heffner and Heffner 1990, 1993.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Compared to a plethora of papers on anatomy and function of the ear (Begall and Burda 2006;Burda et al 1989Burda et al , 1992Kössl et al 1996;Mason 2001;Müller et al 1992;Schleich and Busch 2004;Wilkins et al 1999), hearing (Begall et al 2004;Brückmann and Burda 1997;Heffner and Heffner 1990, 1993Müller and Burda 1989), and vocalizations (Credner et al 1997;Heth et al 1988;Nevo et al 1987;Pepper et al 1991;Schleich and Busch 2002;Veitl et al 2000), however, only one study has dealt with propagation of airborne sounds in burrows (Heth et al 1986). It showed that in a burrow of the blind mole-rat (Spalax ehrenbergi), sounds were only transmitted over short distances (up to 5 m), and signals of 440 Hz were transmitted better than sounds of lower and higher frequencies; these findings correspond to the frequency characteristics of best hearing and vocalizations in the blind mole-rat.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Living in a “stethoscope”: burrow-acoustics promote auditory specializations in subterranean rodents

Lange

Burda

Wegner

et al. 2006

Naturwissenschaften

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Subterranean mammals rely to a great extent on audition for communication and to be alerted to danger. The only hitherto published report on burrow acoustics revealed that in tunnels of blind mole-rats (Spalax ehrenbergi), airborne sounds of 440 Hz propagated best whereas lower and higher frequencies were effectively attenuated. Morpho-functional analyses classify the ear of subterranean mammals as a low-sensitivity and low-frequency device. Concordantly, hearing is characterized by low sensitivity and a restricted frequency range tuned to low frequencies (0.5-4 kHz). Some authors considered the restricted hearing in subterranean mammals vestigial and degenerate due to under-stimulation. In contrast to this view stand a rich (mostly low-frequency) vocal repertoire and progressive structural specializations of the middle and inner ear. Thus, other authors considered these hearing characteristics adaptive. To test the hypothesis that acoustical environment in burrows of different species of subterranean mammals is similar, we measured sound attenuation in burrows of Fukomys mole-rats (formerly known as Cryptomys, cf. Kock et al. 2006) of two differently sized species at different locations in Zambia. We show that in these burrows, low-frequency sounds (200-800 Hz) are not only least attenuated but also their amplitude may be amplified like in a stethoscope (up to two times over 1 m). We suggest that hearing sensitivity has decreased during evolution of subterranean mammals to avoid over-stimulation of the ear in their natural environment.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Living in a “stethoscope”: burrow-acoustics promote auditory specializations in subterranean rodents

Lange

Burda

Wegner

et al. 2006

Naturwissenschaften

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“…The subterranean ecotope is a relatively stable environment (Nevo 1979) that has influenced the sensory adaptations of its inhabitants (Schleich & Busch 2002;Begall et al 2007). Living in total darkness has resulted in reduced or totally degenerate vision in many subterranean rodents (Nevo 1979).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

VOCALISATIONS OF A NORTH AMERICAN SUBTERRANEAN RODENTGEOMYS BREVICEPS

DeVries¹,

Sikes²

2008

Bioacoustics

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Ecological restrictions of the subterranean environment have resulted in sensory adaptations in its inhabitants that limit communication below ground. Adaptations such as degenerate vision and reduced hearing capabilities influence the communicative methods employed by subterranean rodents. Due to the logistic difficulties of investigating life underground, little is known about subterranean rodent communication. Vocal repertoires have been examined in a limited number of subterranean species, but never in North American taxa. We examined vocal communication in Baird's Pocket Gopher Geomys breviceps, a species indigenous to south central North America. Our results show that this species has a repertoire of 4 audible signals, 2 of which are only emitted during close-contact encounters. Energy of signals was concentrated within the frequency range correlating with pocket gophers' greatest hearing sensitivity. Results are also consistent with the frequency requirements for efficient transmission in the subterranean environment. Corresponding behavioural contexts suggest that vocal communication is important for facilitating social interaction with G. breviceps. Because the Geomyidae extend the furthest into the fossil record and are exclusively solitary species, this group is of fundamental importance for considering evolution of communication in subterranean rodents.

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“…With the exception of seismic signals, not known to occur in Ctenomys (Francescoli 1999(Francescoli , 2000Schleich and Busch 2002a), acoustic signals are the only source of longrange communication for tuco-tucos (Francescoli 2000) capable of attaining other conspecifics in their burrow systems (Francescoli 1999(Francescoli , 2000(Francescoli , 2002. From all the signals described in tuco-tuco's repertoire, S-type signals (Francescoli 1999) represent the major possibility.…”

mentioning

confidence: 97%

Tuco-tucos’ vocalization output varies seasonally (Ctenomys pearsoni; Rodentia, Ctenomyidae): implications for reproductive signaling

Francescoli

2010

acta ethol

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Tuco-tucos are subterranean rodents endemic of South America. Ctenomys pearsoni is a solitary species from southwestern Uruguay. Each individual occupies its own burrow and aggressively defends it, except for juveniles before dispersing and couples during reproduction. We tried to understand how these animals find a partner and how they know their reproductive state, avoiding to spend excess energy burrowing to locate those partners for reproduction and avoiding above-ground predation. We studied a C. pearsoni population in the field from June 2005 until March 2007, using individually identified animals, some fitted with radio-tracking collars. For their long-range vocalizations, we recorded the number of vocalizations, number of series (groups of notes composing the vocalization) emitted, time of day of the emission, and emitter identity. Samples were taken by listening to the emissions. Results show that the number of emissions changes along the year, being higher during the reproductive season. Males emit more frequently than females and do it throughout the year. Female vocalizations rise in number when reproduction starts and then decline in number through pregnancy and/or until juveniles disperse and also vary in length being longer during the beginning of the breeding period. These results suggest that female vocalization (i.e., repetition and duration) would inform about emitter's location, sex, and reproductive condition.

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Acoustic signals of a solitary subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae): physical characteristics and behavioural correlates

Cited by 42 publications

References 24 publications

Living in a “stethoscope”: burrow-acoustics promote auditory specializations in subterranean rodents

Living in a “stethoscope”: burrow-acoustics promote auditory specializations in subterranean rodents

VOCALISATIONS OF A NORTH AMERICAN SUBTERRANEAN RODENTGEOMYS BREVICEPS

Tuco-tucos’ vocalization output varies seasonally (Ctenomys pearsoni; Rodentia, Ctenomyidae): implications for reproductive signaling

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