Application and prospect of network analysis in the studies of animal vocal communication and bioacoustics

Abstract

Background & Aim: Animal social network analysis (ASNA) is a toolbox used to examine animal sociality, quantify various social relationships between individuals, and uncover links between individual behavior and dynamics of social structures, which is widely used in studies of animal behavior across a variety of taxa. In addition, a series of measurements in ASNA are very suitable for investigating vocal interactions and song structure. Here we reviewed the applications of ASNA in studies of animal vocal communication and bioacoustics. Progress: Firstly, we introduced a description of basic concepts and some measurements. Secondly, we described the use of ASNA to construct vocal networks and quantify vocal interactions based on field and laboratory studies, and the application prospect of ASNA combined with passive acoustic monitoring technology. Thirdly, we discussed the advantages of ASNA in analyzing song similarity and geographic variation. Finally, we summarized the application of ASNA in the analysis of song structure and syntactical rules. Conclusion: ASNA provides a comprehensive perspective and new ideas for studying animal communication networks and investigating the adaptive evolution of acoustic signals.