Heterospecific alarm call recognition in a non-vocal reptile.

ABSTRACT: The ability to recognize and respond to the alarm calls of heterospecifics has previously been described only in species with vocal communication. Here we provide evidence that a non-vocal reptile, the Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), can eavesdrop on the alarm call of the Galápagos mockingbird (Nesomimus parvulus) and respond with anti-predator behaviour. Eavesdropping on complex heterospecific communications demonstrates a remarkable degree of auditory discrimination in a non-vocal species.

SUBMITTER: Vitousek MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2391237 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature