All articles tagged with #bioacoustics
LSU researchers propose that the rockhead poacher’s hollow head serves as a built-in percussion instrument to generate buzzing sounds for communication. MicroCT scans revealed internal bone spines and rib-like structures that may act as drumsticks and sensors, helping the small fish sense water flow and vibrate sound in its noisy shallow habitat.
Research shows that a baby's cry does not directly indicate its specific need but instead conveys the baby's identity and level of distress; decoding these signals relies on context and experience, emphasizing that understanding cries is learned, not instinctual, and highlighting the importance of cooperation and experience in caregiving.
Research shows that male leopard seals in Antarctica sing underwater songs with patterns remarkably similar to human nursery rhymes, likely to facilitate communication and reproductive success, with their songs being highly predictable and structured.
The Rainforest Connection's Guardian system, initially developed to detect illegal logging using upcycled smartphones, has evolved into a sophisticated bioacoustic monitoring platform. Now active in ten countries, it uses custom hardware to capture real-time audio data for both conservation efforts and scientific research. The system's data is accessible to the public through mobile apps, allowing users to listen to rainforest sounds and aiding in the protection of these vital ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are using machine learning to identify different insect species by their sounds, aiming to monitor shifts in insect populations and gauge environmental health. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, suggests that machine and deep learning are becoming the gold standards for automated bioacoustics modeling, offering a non-lethal and resource-efficient alternative to traditional methods of sampling insect populations. While automated bioacoustics has its limitations, it is seen as a key tool in effectively monitoring insect populations worldwide.
The invention of the microscope and telescope revolutionized science and philosophy by revealing hidden worlds. However, Western culture's over-reliance on vision has led to a lack of development in hearing, which is crucial for holistic perception and knowledge. Scientists are now exploring the world of sound through bioacoustics and sonification, leading to discoveries of complex communication in nonhuman species and the potential for translation through AI. These discoveries raise ethical and philosophical questions about the uniqueness of language and the political voice of nonhumans.