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The social role of sound production and hearing in a highly vocal teleost fish, Halobatrachus didactylus

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Resumo:The existence of individual vocal signatures that can provide scope for mate choice has been scarcely investigated in fish. The relation between acoustic signalling and reproductive success has been studied in various taxa but likewise remains unclear in this taxon. Ultimately, studies that examine sound production and auditory reception, within a comparative perspective across species, can provide insights into the evolution of communication systems. This thesis focused on the social role of acoustic signaling and hearing in the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachis didactylus (Batrachoididae), which relies heavily on acoustic communication. The goals were: (1) determine whether male advertising boatwhistles can potentially provide individual recognition and if the sonic muscle variability is related with males‟ quality; verify the influence of vocal behaviour in the reproductive success; test the possible function of boatwhistles in nest defence; (2) compare auditory sensitivity across seasons and between sexes; characterise the representation of vocalizations in the auditory system; and (3) analyze the development of acoustic communication. Boatwhistles were different between males and the dominant frequency and frequency modulation were the parameters that best discriminate individuals. Sonic muscle variability was best explained by the body length and condition, suggesting that vocal output can inform about sender‟s quality. Reproductive success was significantly influenced by males‟ calling rate and calling effort. Besides mate attraction, boatwhistles were used during active territorial defence. The inner ear saccule was well suited to detect conspecific vocalizations throughout the year and sensitivity was not seasonally plastic or sexually dimorphic. The auditory system was capable of resolving fine vocal features probably important in communication. Moreover, the ability to communicate acoustically might be absent in early developmental stages and initiates when juveniles start generating higher amplitude calls with lower dominant frequencies. Finally, the development of the peripheral auditory system seems to parallels vocal differentiation in this species.
Autores principais:Vasconcelos, Raquel de Ornelas e, 1980-
Assunto:Xarroco Comunicação acústica Produção de som Audição Ontogenia Teses de doutoramento - 2011
Ano:2011
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:tese de doutoramento
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Universidade de Lisboa
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Repositório da Universidade de Lisboa

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