Discriminating between similar alarm calls of contrasting function.

ABSTRACT: In a pioneering study of signal design, Marler (Marler 1955 Nature176, 6-8. (doi:10.1038/176006a0); Marler 1957 Behaviour11, 13-37. (doi:10.1163/156853956X00066)) argued that the contrasting acoustic design of hawk (seet) and mobbing alarm calls of European passerines reflected their contrasting function. Hawk alarms were high-frequency tones, warning conspecifics to flee but making localization difficult for predators, while mobbing calls were broadband and harsh, allowing easy localization and approach. Contrasting signal features are also consistent with signal detection theory. Discriminating these calls quickly is critical for survival, because hawk alarms require immediate escape. These signals should therefore be selected to be easy to discriminate, reduc

SUBMITTER: Tegtman NT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7331020 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature