Predation by killer whales ( Orcinus orca ) and the evolution of whistle loss and narrow‐band high frequency clicks in odontocetes
2007; Oxford University Press; Volume: 20; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1111/j.1420-9101.2007.01336.x
ISSN1420-9101
AutoresTadamichi Morisaka, Richard C. Connor,
Tópico(s)Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
ResumoAbstract A disparate selection of toothed whales (Odontoceti) share striking features of their acoustic repertoires including the absence of whistles and high frequency but weak (low peak‐to‐peak source level) clicks that have a relatively long duration and a narrow bandwidth. The non‐whistling, high frequency click species include members of the family Phocoenidae, members of one genus of delphinids, Cephalorhynchus , the pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps , and apparently the sole member of the family Pontoporiidae. Our review supports the ‘acoustic crypsis’ hypothesis that killer whale predation risk was the primary selective factor favouring an echolocation and communication system in cephalorhynchids, phocoenids and possibly Pontoporiidae and Kogiidae restricted to sounds that killer whales hear poorly or not at all (< 2 and > 100 kHz).
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