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Modesto T, Neves Gregório B, Marcelino G, Marquet N, Costa RA, Guerreiro PM, Velez Z, Hubbard PC. Anatomy of the olfactory system and potential role for chemical communication in the sound-producing Lusitanian toadfish, Halobatrachus didactylus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38634148 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The current study investigated the structure and function of the olfactory system of the Lusitanian toadfish, Halobatrachus didactylus, using histology and electrophysiology (electro-olfactogram [EOG]), respectively. The olfactory system consists of a digitated anterior peduncle, of unknown function, containing the inhalant nostril. This then leads to a U-shaped olfactory chamber with the olfactory epithelium-identified by Gαolf-immunoreactivity-on the ventral surface. A large lacrimal sac is connected to this tube and is likely involved in generating water movement through the olfactory chamber (this species is largely sedentary). The exhalent nostril lies by the eye and is preceded by a bicuspid valve to ensure one-way flow of water. As do other teleosts, H. didactylus had olfactory sensitivity to amino acids and bile acids. Large-amplitude EOG responses were evoked by fluid from the anterior and posterior testicular accessory glands, and bile and intestinal fluids. Anterior gland and intestinal fluids from reproductive males were significantly more potent than those from non-reproductive males. Male urine and skin mucus proved to be the least potent body fluids tested. These results suggest that chemical communication-as well as acoustic communication-may be important in the reproduction of this species and that this may be mediated by the accessory glands and intestinal fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Modesto
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Neves Gregório
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Marcelino
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Nathalie Marquet
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rita A Costa
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Pedro M Guerreiro
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Zélia Velez
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Peter C Hubbard
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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Roberts L, Rice AN. Vibrational and acoustic communication in fishes: The overlooked overlap between the underwater vibroscape and soundscape. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:2708-2720. [PMID: 37888943 DOI: 10.1121/10.0021878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Substrate-borne communication via mechanical waves is widespread throughout the animal kingdom but has not been intensively studied in fishes. Families such as the salmonids and sculpins have been documented to produce vibratory signals. However, it is likely that fish taxa on or close to the substrate that produce acoustic signals will also have a vibratory component to their signal due to their proximity to substrates and energy transfer between media. Fishes present an intriguing opportunity to study vibrational communication, particularly in the context of signal production and detection, detection range, and how vibratory signals may complement or replace acoustic signals. It is highly likely that the vibrational landscape, the vibroscape, is an important component of their sensory world, which certainly includes and overlaps with the soundscape. With the wide range of anthropogenic activities modifying underwater substrates, vibrational noise presents similar risks as acoustic noise pollution for fishes that depend on vibrational communication. However, in order to understand vibrational noise, more empirical studies are required to investigate the role of vibrations in the fish environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Roberts
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GP, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron N Rice
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA
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3
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Órfão I, Carvalho C, Rodrigues I, Ascensão L, Pedaccini M, Vicente L, Barbosa M, Varela SAM. The role of intrasexual competition on the evolution of male-male courtship display: a systematic review. PeerJ 2023; 10:e14638. [PMID: 36751481 PMCID: PMC9899439 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence of male-male courtship display is widespread across the animal kingdom. Yet, its function and evolutionary origin remain unclear. Here, we hypothesise that male-male courtship display evolved in response to selection pressure exerted by intrasexual competition during male-female courtship interactions. Intrasexual competition can be caused by bystander male pressure through eavesdropping and exploiting on displayer male's courtship interactions with females. This bystander pressure can lead to an audience effect by the displayer, who will change their courtship behaviour in the presence of bystanders and display directly towards them, even in the absence of females, as an intimidation strategy. In species where this selection pressure has taken place, we predict that the male courtship display will have a dual function: attract females and deter competitors. Therefore, we expected to find more evidence of bystander-related behaviours in species for which male-male courtship display is linked to intrasexual competition compared to species for which other explanatory hypotheses are more plausible (e.g., mistaken identity or courtship practice). Methodology We conducted two systematic reviews to test this hypothesis. First, we conducted a search for studies of species with courtship display between males and of the hypotheses provided to explain this behaviour. Our goal was to identify the species with male-male courtship display and evidence of intrasexual competition. Second, among the species with male-male courtship display, we searched for evidence of bystander-related behaviours, i.e., articles referring to eavesdropping, exploitation, and audience effect during male-female courtship interactions. Our goal was to test whether species with intrasexual competition are also more likely to show bystander-related behaviours. Results Although most studies reporting male courtship display towards other males do not suggest any explanatory hypothesis for this behaviour, the intrasexual competition hypothesis was largely mentioned and supported by some studies reviewed. Additionally, there is more evidence of eavesdropping and of all three bystander-related behaviours combined in species for which the intrasexual competition hypothesis was suggested. Conclusions Overall, our review supports the hypothesis that intrasexual competition can play a key role in male courtship display evolution, namely that male-male courtship display may have evolved as a secondary function of male-female courtship interactions via bystander male pressure. However, our review also shows that despite the increasing interest in same-sex sexual behaviours, and male-male courtship display in particular, most studies were found to be merely descriptive, and the hypotheses they suggested to explain courtship display between males mostly speculative. This highlights an important gap in the literature. To clarify both the evolution and the function of male-male courtship display, this behaviour needs to be empirically studied more often. Our review can help advancing this research area, as it makes the 20 species with male-male courtship display for which the intrasexual competition hypothesis was suggested excellent candidates for empirical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Órfão
- CFCUL–Centre for Philosophy of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal,cE3c–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal,MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET–Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Constança Carvalho
- CFCUL–Centre for Philosophy of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal,ISPA–Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Leonor Ascensão
- Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Luís Vicente
- CFCUL–Centre for Philosophy of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal,School of Psychology and Life Sciences of the Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Barbosa
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Centre for Biological Diversity, St Andrews, United Kingdom,CESAM–Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana A. M. Varela
- cE3c–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal,IGC–Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal,William James Center for Research, ISPA–Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal
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4
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Behavioural context shapes vocal sequences in two anuran species with different repertoire sizes. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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5
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Vieira M, Amorim MCP, Fonseca PJ. Vocal rhythms in nesting Lusitanian toadfish, Halobatrachus didactylus. ECOL INFORM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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6
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Alves D, Vieira M, Amorim MCP, Fonseca PJ. Boat noise interferes with Lusitanian toadfish acoustic communication. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269006. [PMID: 34102670 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.234849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise is considered a major underwater pollutant as increasing ocean background noise due to human activities is impacting aquatic organisms. One of the most prevalent anthropogenic sounds is boat noise. Although motorboat traffic has increased in the past few decades, its impact on the communication of fish is still poorly known. The highly vocal Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) is an excellent model to test the impact of this anthropogenic stressor as it relies on acoustic communication to attract mates. Here, we performed two experiments to test the impact of boat noise on the acoustic communication of the Lusitanian toadfish. Using the auditory evoked potential (AEP) technique, we first compared the maximum distance a fish can perceive a boatwhistle (BW), the mate attraction acoustic signal, before and after embedding it in boat noise. Noises from a small motorboat and from a ferryboat reduced the active space from a control value of 6.4-10.4 m to 2.0-2.5 m and 6.3-6.7 m, respectively. In the second experiment we monitored the acoustic behaviour of breeding males exposed to boat noise playbacks and we observed an increase in the inter-onset interval of BWs and a disruption of the usual vocal interactions between singing males. These results demonstrate that boat noise can severely reduce the acoustic active space and affect the chorusing behaviour in this species, which may have consequences in breeding success for individuals and could thus affect fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Alves
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2. Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuel Vieira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2. Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Clara P Amorim
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Fonseca
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2. Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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7
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Zeng R, Brown AD, Rogers LS, Lawrence OT, Clark JI, Sisneros JA. Age-related loss of auditory sensitivity in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Hear Res 2021; 403:108189. [PMID: 33556775 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2021.108189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), also known as presbycusis, is a widespread and debilitating condition impacting many older adults. Conventionally, researchers utilize mammalian model systems or human cadaveric tissue to study ARHL pathology. Recently, the zebrafish has become an effective and tractable model system for a wide variety of genetic and environmental auditory insults, but little is known about the incidence or extent of ARHL in zebrafish and other non-mammalian models. Here, we evaluated whether zebrafish exhibit age-related loss in auditory sensitivity. The auditory sensitivity of adult wild-type zebrafish (AB/WIK strain) from three adult age subgroups (13-month, 20-month, and 37-month) was characterized using the auditory evoked potential (AEP) recording technique. AEPs were elicited using pure tone stimuli (115-4500 Hz) presented via an underwater loudspeaker and recorded using shielded subdermal metal electrodes. Based on measures of sound pressure and particle acceleration, the mean AEP thresholds of 37-month-old fish [mean sound pressure level (SPL) = 122.2 dB ± 2.2 dB SE re: 1 μPa; mean particle acceleration level (PAL) = -27.5 ± 2.3 dB SE re: 1 ms-2] were approximately 9 dB higher than that of 20-month-old fish [(mean SPL = 113.1 ± 2.7 dB SE re: 1 μPa; mean PAL = -37.2 ± 2.8 dB re: 1 ms-2; p = 0.007)] and 6 dB higher than that of 13-month-old fish [(mean SPL = 116.3 ± 2.5 dB SE re: 1 μPa; mean PAL = -34.1 ± 2.6 dB SE re: 1 ms-2; p = 0.052)]. Lowest AEP thresholds for all three age groups were generally between 800 Hz and 1850 Hz, with no evidence for frequency-specific age-related loss. Our results suggest that zebrafish undergo age-related loss in auditory sensitivity, but the form and magnitude of loss is markedly different than in mammals, including humans. Future work is needed to further describe the incidence and extent of ARHL across vertebrate groups and to determine which, if any, ARHL mechanisms may be conserved across vertebrates to support meaningful comparative/translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyu Zeng
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, 413 Guthrie Hall, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Andrew D Brown
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States; Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Loranzie S Rogers
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, 413 Guthrie Hall, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Owen T Lawrence
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, United States
| | - John I Clark
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, United States
| | - Joseph A Sisneros
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, 413 Guthrie Hall, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
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8
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Chanda K, Chakraborty B, Mahale VP, Latha G, Fernandes W. Characterizing three shallow-water locations off Goa, India, using passive acoustic data. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 148:1536. [PMID: 33003864 DOI: 10.1121/10.0001960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, an analysis of the passive acoustic data is carried out for the quantitative characterization of shallow-water acoustic environments from three major estuarine systems of Goa during the months of March and April. The identification of fish sounds was carried out using waveform and peak power spectral densities (PSDs) of the individual fish calls. Fish sound data showed that the toadfish of the Batrachoididae family (Colletteichthys dussumieri species) produced a spectral level 112.27 ± 4.48 dB re 1 μPa2 /Hz at 448.96 ± 40.30 Hz frequency from the mangrove-dominated tidally influenced Mandovi estuary. Similarly, in a coral reef area near Grande Island in the Zuari estuary, Tiger Perch fish from the Terapontidae family (Terapon threaps species) were identified, having spectral levels 106.91 ± 3.08 dB re 1 μPa2 /Hz at 1791.56 ± 106.55 Hz frequency. From the Sal estuary, PSD levels were found to be around 98.24 ± 2.98 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz at 1796.95 ± 72.76 Hz frequency for Tiger Perch of the Terapontidae family (T. threaps species). To characterize the contributions of biophony (fish), geophony (wind and flow, etc.), and anthrophony (boats, etc.), cluster analysis is employed. In the Mandovi estuary, the root-mean-square sound pressure level (SPLrms) of broadband toadfish was a function of the water flow and temperature. In the Zuari estuary, SPLrms was a function of the water temperature and wind, whereas in the Sal estuary, wind mainly influenced the SPLrms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kranthikumar Chanda
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India
| | - Bishwajit Chakraborty
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India
| | - V P Mahale
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India
| | - G Latha
- Earth System Science Organisation-National Institute of Ocean Technology, Pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100, India
| | - W Fernandes
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India
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Fischer A, Goh XH, Varney JLS, Blake AJ, Takács S, Gries G. Multimodal and multifunctional signaling? - Web reduction courtship behavior in a North American population of the false black widow spider. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228988. [PMID: 32101544 PMCID: PMC7043733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Males of widow spiders courting on the web of females engage in web-reduction behavior which entails excising a section of the web, bundling it up, and wrapping it with their silk. Males of the false black widow spider, Steatoda grossa, in European populations also produce stridulatory courtship sound which has not yet been studied in their invaded North American range. Working with a North American population of S. grossa, we tested the hypotheses that (1) web reduction by males renders webs less attractive to rival males; (2) deposition of silk by courting males has an inter-sexual (male-female) signal function that enhances their likelihood of copulation; and (3) stridulatory sound is a courtship signal of males. Testing anemotactic attraction of males in Y-tube olfactometer experiments revealed that reduced webs (indicative of a mated female) and intact webs (indicative of a virgin female) were equally attractive to males. Recording courtship behavior of males with either functional (silk-releasing) spinnerets or spinnerets experimentally occluded on the web of virgin females showed that males with functional spinnerets were more likely to copulate with the female they courted. Although males possess the stridulatory apparatus to produce courtship sound, they did not stridulate when courting or copulating on the web of females. Our data support the conclusion that web-reduction behavior of S. grossa males in their invaded North American range has no long-range effect on mate seeking males. Instead, web-reduction behavior has an inter-sexual signaling function that seems to be linked to functional spinnerets of the courting male. The signal produced by a male likely entails a volatile silk-borne pheromone, but may also embody a gauge of his endurance (the amount of time he engages in web reduction causing web vibrations).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fischer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Xiang Hao Goh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | | | - Adam J. Blake
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Stephen Takács
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Gerhard Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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10
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Wiens JJ, Tuschhoff E. Songs versus colours versus horns: what explains the diversity of sexually selected traits? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:847-864. [PMID: 32092241 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Papers on sexual selection often highlight the incredible diversity of sexually selected traits across animals. Yet, few studies have tried to explain why this diversity evolved. Animals use many different types of traits to attract mates and outcompete rivals, including colours, songs, and horns, but it remains unclear why, for example, some taxa have songs, others have colours, and others horns. Here, we first conduct a systematic survey of the basic diversity and distribution of different types of sexually selected signals and weapons across the animal Tree of Life. Based on this survey, we describe seven major patterns in trait diversity and distributions. We then discuss 10 unanswered questions raised by these patterns, and how they might be addressed. One major pattern is that most types of sexually selected signals and weapons are apparently absent from most animal phyla (88%), in contrast to the conventional wisdom that a diversity of sexually selected traits is present across animals. Furthermore, most trait diversity is clustered in Arthropoda and Chordata, but only within certain clades. Within these clades, many different types of traits have evolved, and many types appear to have evolved repeatedly. By contrast, other major arthropod and chordate clades appear to lack all or most trait types, and similar patterns are repeated at smaller phylogenetic scales (e.g. within insects). Although most research on sexual selection focuses on female choice, we find similar numbers of traits (among sampled species) are involved in male contests (44%) and female choice (55%). Overall, these patterns are largely unexplained and unexplored, as are many other fundamental questions about the evolution of these traits. We suggest that understanding the diversity of sexually selected traits may require a shift towards macroevolutionary studies at relatively deep timescales (e.g. tens to hundreds of millions of years ago).
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Wiens
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721-0088, U.S.A
| | - E Tuschhoff
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721-0088, U.S.A
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Rowell TJ, Aburto-Oropeza O, Cota-Nieto JJ, Steele MA, Erisman BE. Reproductive behaviour and concurrent sound production of Gulf grouper Mycteroperca jordani (Epinephelidae) at a spawning aggregation site. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 94:277-296. [PMID: 30561025 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive and acoustic behaviours of Gulf grouper Mycteroperca jordani were studied at a spawning aggregation site in the southern Gulf of California, México. In May 2015-2017, divers located and surveyed a spawning aggregation site within Cabo Pulmo National Park. Adult M. jordani conformed to a lek mating system in which large males formed territories over sand adjacent to a rocky reef that were spatially segregated from smaller females outside of courtship and spawning periods. Females moved into male territories during evening hours to spawn. Male courtship behaviours targeted a single female, included head shakes and burst rises and preceded pair spawning prior to sunset. Males and females displayed three shared colour phases, but four phases were sex-specific. During evening hours, courtship and spawning, both sexes exhibited sexual dichromatism concurrent with reproductive behaviours. The pair-spawning mating system and observations of bimodal size distributions by sex support previous claims of protogyny in the species. Males produced sounds during territorial patrols, courtship and spawning rushes, which corroborated the importance of acoustic communication within the behavioural repertoire associated with spawning. Long-term acoustic monitoring revealed increases in total sounds detected day-1 from March through June with diel increases (e.g., evenings) that may be indicative of the spawning season. Observations of spawning on 12 consecutive evenings in May 2017 coupled with extended periods of sound production suggest that spawning does not follow a lunar rhythm. This first description of the mating system and sounds of the endangered M. jordani facilitates future development of seasonal and areal protections to restore and manage the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Rowell
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Octavio Aburto-Oropeza
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Juan J Cota-Nieto
- Centro Para la Biodiversidad Marina y Conservación A.C., La Paz, Mexico
| | - Mark A Steele
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Brad E Erisman
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas, USA
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12
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Amorim MCP, Conti C, Sousa-Santos C, Novais B, Gouveia MD, Vicente JR, Modesto T, Gonçalves A, Fonseca PJ. Reproductive success in the Lusitanian toadfish: Influence of calling activity, male quality and experimental design. Physiol Behav 2016; 155:17-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Alves D, Amorim MCP, Fonseca PJ. Assessing acoustic communication active space in the Lusitanian toadfish. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:1122-9. [PMID: 26896547 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.134981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The active space of a signal is an important concept in acoustic communication as it has implications for the function and evolution of acoustic signals. However, it remains mostly unknown for fish as it has been measured in only a restricted number of species. We combined physiological and sound propagation approaches to estimate the communication range of the Lusitanian toadfish's ( ITALIC! Halobatrachus didactylus) advertisement sound, the boatwhistle (BW). We recorded BWs at different distances from vocalizing fish in a natural nesting site at ca. 2-3 m depth. We measured the representation of these increasingly attenuated BWs in the auditory pathway through the auditory evoked potential (AEP) technique. These measurements point to a communication range of between 6 and 13 m, depending on the spectral characteristics of the BW. A similar communication range (ca. 8 m) was derived from comparing sound attenuation at selected frequencies with auditory sensitivity. This is one of the few studies to combine auditory measurements with sound propagation to estimate the active space of acoustic signals in fish. We emphasize the need in future studies for estimates of active space to take informational masking into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Alves
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal
| | - M Clara P Amorim
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisbon 1149-041, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Fonseca
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal
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What the Toadfish Ear Tells the Toadfish Brain About Sound. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 877:197-226. [PMID: 26515316 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-21059-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Of the three, paired otolithic endorgans in the ear of teleost fishes, the saccule is the one most often demonstrated to have a major role in encoding frequencies of biologically relevant sounds. The toadfish saccule also encodes sound level and sound source direction in the phase-locked activity conveyed via auditory afferents to nuclei of the ipsilateral octaval column in the medulla. Although paired auditory receptors are present in teleost fishes, binaural processes were believed to be unimportant due to the speed of sound in water and the acoustic transparency of the tissues in water. In contrast, there are behavioral and anatomical data that support binaural processing in fishes. Studies in the toadfish combined anatomical tract-tracing and physiological recordings from identified sites along the ascending auditory pathway to document response characteristics at each level. Binaural computations in the medulla and midbrain sharpen the directional information provided by the saccule. Furthermore, physiological studies in the central nervous system indicated that encoding frequency, sound level, temporal pattern, and sound source direction are important components of what the toadfish ear tells the toadfish brain about sound.
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15
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Vieira M, Fonseca PJ, Amorim MCP, Teixeira CJC. Call recognition and individual identification of fish vocalizations based on automatic speech recognition: An example with the Lusitanian toadfish. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 138:3941-3950. [PMID: 26723348 DOI: 10.1121/1.4936858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The study of acoustic communication in animals often requires not only the recognition of species specific acoustic signals but also the identification of individual subjects, all in a complex acoustic background. Moreover, when very long recordings are to be analyzed, automatic recognition and identification processes are invaluable tools to extract the relevant biological information. A pattern recognition methodology based on hidden Markov models is presented inspired by successful results obtained in the most widely known and complex acoustical communication signal: human speech. This methodology was applied here for the first time to the detection and recognition of fish acoustic signals, specifically in a stream of round-the-clock recordings of Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) in their natural estuarine habitat. The results show that this methodology is able not only to detect the mating sounds (boatwhistles) but also to identify individual male toadfish, reaching an identification rate of ca. 95%. Moreover this method also proved to be a powerful tool to assess signal durations in large data sets. However, the system failed in recognizing other sound types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Vieira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2. Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Fonseca
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2. Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Clara P Amorim
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos J C Teixeira
- Departamento de Informática, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C6. Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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16
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Amorim MCP, Conti C, Modesto T, Gonçalves A, Fonseca PJ. Agonistic sounds signal male quality in the Lusitanian toadfish. Physiol Behav 2015; 149:192-8. [PMID: 26048302 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Acoustic communication during agonistic behaviour is widespread in fishes. Yet, compared to other taxa, little is known on the information content of fish agonistic calls and their effect on territorial defence. Lusitanian toadfish males (Halobatrachus didactylus) are highly territorial during the breeding season and use sounds (boatwhistles, BW) to defend nests from intruders. BW present most energy in either the fundamental frequency, set by the contraction rate of the sonic muscles attached to the swimbladder, or in the harmonics, which are multiples of the fundamental frequency. Here we investigated if temporal and spectral features of BW produced during territorial defence reflect aspects of male quality that may be important in resolving disputes. We found that higher mean pulse period (i.e. lower fundamental frequency) reflected higher levels of 11-ketotestosterone (11KT), the main teleost androgen which, in turn, was significantly related with male condition (relative body mass and glycogen content). BW dominant harmonic mean and variability decreased with sonic muscle lipid content. We found no association between BW duration and male quality. Taken together, these results suggest that the spectral content of fish agonistic sounds may signal male features that are key in fight outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Clara P Amorim
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Carlotta Conti
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Modesto
- Centro de Ciências do Mar, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000-810 Faro, Portugal.
| | - Amparo Gonçalves
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P. (IPMA, I.P.), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Paulo J Fonseca
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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The effect of temporal variation in sound exposure on swimming and foraging behaviour of captive zebrafish. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Vasconcelos RO, Alderks PW, Ramos A, Fonseca PJ, Amorim MCP, Sisneros JA. Vocal differentiation parallels development of auditory saccular sensitivity in a highly soniferous fish. J Exp Biol 2015; 218:2864-72. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.123059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Vocal differentiation is widely documented in birds and mammals but has been poorly investigated in other vertebrates, including fish, which represent the oldest extant vertebrate group. Neural circuitry controlling vocal behaviour is thought to have evolved from conserved brain areas that originated in fish, making this taxon key to understanding the evolution and development of the vertebrate vocal-auditory systems. This study examines ontogenetic changes in the vocal repertoire and whether vocal differentiation parallels auditory development in the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus (Batrachoididae). This species exhibits a complex acoustic repertoire and is vocally active during early development. Vocalisations were recorded during social interactions for four size groups (fry: <2 cm; small juveniles: 2–4 cm; large juveniles: 5–7 cm; adults >25 cm, standard length). Auditory sensitivity of juveniles and adults was determined based on evoked potentials recorded from the inner ear saccule in response to pure tones of 75–945 Hz. We show an ontogenetic increment in the vocal repertoire from simple broadband-pulsed ‘grunts’ that later differentiate into four distinct vocalisations, including low-frequency amplitude-modulated ‘boatwhistles’. Whereas fry emitted mostly single grunts, large juveniles exhibited vocalisations similar to the adult vocal repertoire. Saccular sensitivity revealed a three-fold enhancement at most frequencies tested from small to large juveniles; however, large juveniles were similar in sensitivity to adults. We provide the first clear evidence of ontogenetic vocal differentiation in fish, as previously described for higher vertebrates. Our results suggest a parallel development between the vocal motor pathway and the peripheral auditory system for acoustic social communication in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel O. Vasconcelos
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 16, Macau S.A.R., People's Republic of China
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2 Campo Grande, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Peter W. Alderks
- Departments of Psychology and Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Andreia Ramos
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 16, Macau S.A.R., People's Republic of China
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2 Campo Grande, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Paulo J. Fonseca
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2 Campo Grande, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal
| | - M. Clara P. Amorim
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Departamento de Biociências, ISPA – Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, Lisbon 1149-041, Portugal
| | - Joseph A. Sisneros
- Departments of Psychology and Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Pereira R, Rismondo S, Caiano M, Pedroso SS, Fonseca PJ, Amorim MCP. The Role of Agonistic Sounds in Male Nest Defence in the Painted GobyPomatoschistus pictus. Ethology 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal e Centro de Biologia Ambiental; Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa; Lisboa Portugal
| | - Stefania Rismondo
- Departamento de Biologia Animal e Centro de Biologia Ambiental; Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa; Lisboa Portugal
| | - Manuel Caiano
- Departamento de Biologia Animal e Centro de Biologia Ambiental; Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa; Lisboa Portugal
| | - Silvia S. Pedroso
- Unidade de Investigação em Eco-Etologia; Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada - Instituto Universitário; Lisboa Portugal
| | - Paulo J. Fonseca
- Departamento de Biologia Animal e Centro de Biologia Ambiental; Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa; Lisboa Portugal
| | - Maria Clara P. Amorim
- Unidade de Investigação em Eco-Etologia; Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada - Instituto Universitário; Lisboa Portugal
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Tobias JA, Montgomerie R, Lyon BE. The evolution of female ornaments and weaponry: social selection, sexual selection and ecological competition. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2012; 367:2274-93. [PMID: 22777016 PMCID: PMC3391421 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ornaments, weapons and aggressive behaviours may evolve in female animals by mate choice and intrasexual competition for mating opportunities-the standard forms of sexual selection in males. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that selection tends to operate in different ways in males and females, with female traits more often mediating competition for ecological resources, rather than mate acquisition. Two main solutions have been proposed to accommodate this disparity. One is to expand the concept of sexual selection to include all mechanisms related to fecundity; another is to adopt an alternative conceptual framework-the theory of social selection-in which sexual selection is one component of a more general form of selection resulting from all social interactions. In this study, we summarize the history of the debate about female ornaments and weapons, and discuss potential resolutions. We review the components of fitness driving ornamentation in a wide range of systems, and show that selection often falls outside the limits of traditional sexual selection theory, particularly in females. We conclude that the evolution of these traits in both sexes is best understood within the unifying framework of social selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Tobias
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.
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21
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Jordão JM, Fonseca PJ, Amorim MCP. Chorusing Behaviour in the Lusitanian Toadfish: Should I Match My Neighbours' Calling Rate? Ethology 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2012.02078.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joana M. Jordão
- Centro de Biologia Ambiental; Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2; Lisboa; Portugal
| | - Paulo J. Fonseca
- Centro de Biologia Ambiental; Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2; Lisboa; Portugal
| | - Maria Clara P. Amorim
- Unidade de Investigação em Eco-Etologia; Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada; Instituto Universitário; Lisboa; Portugal
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Fonseca PJ, Alves JM. A new concept in underwater high fidelity low frequency sound generation. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2012; 83:055007. [PMID: 22667648 DOI: 10.1063/1.4717680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This article reports on a new type of system for high fidelity underwater sound generation (patent pending PT105474). The system includes an underwater sound actuator and the corresponding electronic driver. The sound is generated by a rigid plate that is actuated (both for positioning/dumping and excitation) using purely electromagnetic forces, thus, avoiding the use of any elastic membrane. Since there is no compressible air inside the device, which is flooded by water, the operation of this device is independent from depth, broadening its applications to any water pressure. Characterization of the frequency response, the radiation characteristics, and the dynamic range of this new device for underwater sound generation is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo J Fonseca
- Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Biologia Ambiental and SESUL, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
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Vasconcelos RO, Carriço R, Ramos A, Modesto T, Fonseca PJ, Amorim MCP. Vocal behavior predicts reproductive success in a teleost fish. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arr199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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24
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TOBIAS JA, GAMARRA-TOLEDO V, GARCÍA-OLAECHEA D, PULGARÍN PC, SEDDON N. Year-round resource defence and the evolution of male and female song in suboscine birds: social armaments are mutual ornaments. J Evol Biol 2011; 24:2118-38. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2011.02345.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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25
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Vasconcelos RO, Sisneros JA, Amorim MCP, Fonseca PJ. Auditory saccular sensitivity of the vocal Lusitanian toadfish: low frequency tuning allows acoustic communication throughout the year. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2011; 197:903-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-011-0651-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Kimball RT, Mary CMS, Braun EL. A macroevolutionary perspective on multiple sexual traits in the phasianidae (galliformes). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 2011; 2011:423938. [PMID: 21716735 PMCID: PMC3119463 DOI: 10.4061/2011/423938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 02/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Traits involved in sexual signaling are ubiquitous among animals. Although a single trait appears sufficient to convey information, many sexually dimorphic species exhibit multiple sexual signals, which may be costly to signalers and receivers. Given that one signal may be enough, there are many microevolutionary hypotheses to explain the evolution of multiple signals. Here we extend these hypotheses to a macroevolutionary scale and compare those predictions to the patterns of gains and losses of sexual dimorphism in pheasants and partridges. Among nine dimorphic characters, including six intersexual signals and three indicators of competitive ability, all exhibited both gains and losses of dimorphism within the group. Although theories of intersexual selection emphasize gain and elaboration, those six characters exhibited greater rates of loss than gain; in contrast, the competitive traits showed a slight bias towards gains. The available models, when examined in a macroevolutionary framework, did not yield unique predictions, making it difficult to distinguish among them. Even with this limitation, when the predictions of these alternative models were compared with the heterogeneous patterns of evolution of dimorphism in phasianids, it is clear that many different selective processes have been involved in the evolution of sexual signals in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca T. Kimball
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Colette M. St. Mary
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Edward L. Braun
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Amorim MCP, Simões JM, Mendonça N, Bandarra NM, Almada VC, Fonseca PJ. Lusitanian toadfish song reflects male quality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 213:2997-3004. [PMID: 20709928 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.044586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Lusitanian toadfish males that provide parental care rely on acoustic signals (the boatwhistle) to attract females to their nest. We test the hypothesis that male quality, namely male size and condition that are relevant for parental success, is reflected in vocal activity and boatwhistle characteristics and thus advertised to females. We recorded 22 males over a week during the peak of the breeding season. Calling rate and calling effort (percentage of time spent calling) strongly reflected male condition (lipid content of somatic muscles) and to a smaller extent sonic muscle hypertrophy and larger gonads. Males in better condition (increased body lipid and relative higher liver mass) also contracted the sonic muscles at faster rate as shown by the shorter boatwhistle pulse periods. Amplitude modulation reflected the degree of sonic muscle hypertrophy. None of the measured male quality parameters were good predictors of boatwhistle duration and dominant frequency. Altogether this study strongly suggests that Lusitanian toadfish males advertise their quality to females primarily with boatwhistle calling rate and calling effort, which mainly reflect male condition. Because pulse period had low variability, consistent with the existence of a vocal central pattern generator, we suggest that males that sustain sonic muscles contraction at a very fast rate close to their physiological limit may be honestly advertising their quality (condition). Similarly, males that produce boatwhistles with higher amplitude modulation, a feature that seems dependent on sonic muscle hypertrophy, could be more attractive to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Clara P Amorim
- Unidade de Investigação em Eco-Etologia, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Vasconcelos RO, Fonseca PJ, Amorim MCP, Ladich F. Representation of complex vocalizations in the Lusitanian toadfish auditory system: evidence of fine temporal, frequency and amplitude discrimination. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 278:826-34. [PMID: 20861044 PMCID: PMC3049045 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many fishes rely on their auditory skills to interpret crucial information about predators and prey, and to communicate intraspecifically. Few studies, however, have examined how complex natural sounds are perceived in fishes. We investigated the representation of conspecific mating and agonistic calls in the auditory system of the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus, and analysed auditory responses to heterospecific signals from ecologically relevant species: a sympatric vocal fish (meagre Argyrosomus regius) and a potential predator (dolphin Tursiops truncatus). Using auditory evoked potential (AEP) recordings, we showed that both sexes can resolve fine features of conspecific calls. The toadfish auditory system was most sensitive to frequencies well represented in the conspecific vocalizations (namely the mating boatwhistle), and revealed a fine representation of duration and pulsed structure of agonistic and mating calls. Stimuli and corresponding AEP amplitudes were highly correlated, indicating an accurate encoding of amplitude modulation. Moreover, Lusitanian toadfish were able to detect T. truncatus foraging sounds and A. regius calls, although at higher amplitudes. We provide strong evidence that the auditory system of a vocal fish, lacking accessory hearing structures, is capable of resolving fine features of complex vocalizations that are probably important for intraspecific communication and other relevant stimuli from the auditory scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel O Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Chimpanzees extract social information from agonistic screams. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11473. [PMID: 20644722 PMCID: PMC2904366 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 06/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) agonistic screams are graded vocal signals that are produced in a context-specific manner. Screams given by aggressors and victims can be discriminated based on their acoustic structure but the mechanisms of listener comprehension of these calls are currently unknown. In this study, we show that chimpanzees extract social information from these vocal signals that, combined with their more general social knowledge, enables them to understand the nature of out-of-sight social interactions. In playback experiments, we broadcast congruent and incongruent sequences of agonistic calls and monitored the response of bystanders. Congruent sequences were in accordance with existing social dominance relations; incongruent ones violated them. Subjects looked significantly longer at incongruent sequences, despite them being acoustically less salient (fewer call types from fewer individuals) than congruent ones. We concluded that chimpanzees categorised an apparently simple acoustic signal into victim and aggressor screams and used pragmatics to form inferences about third-party interactions they could not see.
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