Acoustic Startle Responses as Aversive Reactions and Hearing Indicators in Cetaceans
Abstract
The objectives of this proposed study are: to investigate sensitization effects when using short onset-time signals in beaked whales, to describe reactions of cetaceans to single and repeated sharp onset time sonar signals in comparison to sound expsoure with longer rise times, and to use the pre-pulse inhibition paradigm to measure hearing thresholds in humpback whales. Recent studies on pulsed sounds showed that exposure to signals with sharp onset times elicit a startle reflex in whales leading to an exaggerated avoidance response. Tactical sonars have sufficiently fast onset times to elicit a startle reflex, so that this mechanism might be responsible for detrimental reactions by the animals. Using playbacks of noise pulses we study whether beaked whales react more strongly to startling sounds than non-startling sounds. Using pulses of different intensity, we will also attempt to measure the hearing threshold of humpback whales, using the startle flinch of animals as a measure of audibility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141613013
Entities
People
- Vincent M Janik
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of St Andrews