Coevolution of vocal signal characteristics and hearing sensitivity in forest mammals

31Citations
Citations of this article
71Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Although signal characteristics and sensory systems are predicted to co-evolve according to environmental constraints, this hypothesis has not been tested for acoustic signalling across a wide range of species, or any mammal sensory modality. Here we use phylogenetic comparative techniques to show that mammal vocal characteristics and hearing sensitivity have co-evolved to utilise higher frequencies in forest environments – opposite to the general prediction that lower frequencies should be favoured in acoustically cluttered habitats. We also reveal an evolutionary trade-off between high frequency hearing sensitivity and the production of calls with high frequency acoustic energy that suggests forest mammals further optimise vocal communication according to their high frequency hearing sensitivity. Our results provide clear evidence of adaptive signal and sensory system coevolution. They also emphasize how constraints imposed by the signalling environment can jointly shape vocal signal structure and auditory systems, potentially driving acoustic diversity and reproductive isolation.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Charlton, B. D., Owen, M. A., & Swaisgood, R. R. (2019). Coevolution of vocal signal characteristics and hearing sensitivity in forest mammals. Nature Communications, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-10768-y

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free