Structure and function in teleost auditory systems

Abstract

Morphological, behavior, and physiological data indicate that there is considerable interspecific variation in auditory function among the more than 20 000 teleost species. This variation includes mechanisms for sound reception, pathways of sound conduction to the ear, excitation patterns within the ear, and possibly, the mechanisms for information processing by the auditory nerve and central nervous system. Although it is still difficult to understand hearing function in terms of our present conceptions of the underlying physiology and structure, it is becoming clear from limited behavioral and physiological data that the auditory systems in at least several teleost species are well adapted for temporal analysis of acoustic signals. This suggestion is in accordance with recent observations that the temporal rather than the spectral patterns of teleost sounds are significant for communication. [Work supported by grants from NIH and NSF to ANP and NSF to RRF.]