Human Hearing and Auditory System

What is the primary function of the thin portions of a katydid's chitin exoskeleton?

To detect sound waves (correct)
To regulate body temperature
To protect the katydid from predators
To aid in locomotion

Why do bridge spiders use their webs as a sort of 'ear drum'?

To sense sound waves (correct)
To detect prey
To communicate with other spiders
To protect themselves from predators

What is unique about the hearing system of barn owls?

They can only hear low frequencies
They have a specialized eardrum
Their ears are asymmetrical (correct)
They have one large ear

What is the primary function of the specialized feathers around the facial disk of barn owls?

To direct sound waves towards the ear openings (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'mowing the grass' behavior exhibited by Brandt's voles?

To reduce the risk of predation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the syrinx in birds?

To produce sound waves (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the act of producing noise by rubbing body parts together in insects?

Stridulation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the act of producing sound by vibrating a non-specialized body part in insects?

Tremulation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'Whale 52' known as 'the loneliest whale in the world'?

Because it has a unique call structure (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major issue in sound communication between species?

Competition between species in the soundscape (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of human hearing?

Mechanical movement of sensory hair cells in the cochlea (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency range of human hearing?

20Hz - 20kHz (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between human and bird hearing?

Birds can repair hair cells (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of otoliths in fish?

To allow them to hear (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why do some mammals lack an external pinna?

Because it impedes with locomotion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the development of a sonic 'teenager deterrent'?

To utilize the age difference in audible pitch (B) Signup and view all the answers

How many otoliths are present in each ear of a fish?

Three (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge faced by fish in terms of hearing?

Their body is about the same density as water (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of otoliths in fish?

Calcium carbonate (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the secondary role of the external pinna in some mammals?

Thermoregulation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of the ear structure in birds, reptiles, and amphibians?

Having one inner ear bone (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the decline in human hearing with age?

Due to damage to the sensory hair cells in the cochlea (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the otoliths in fish?

To allow fish to hear (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of frequencies that humans can hear?

20Hz - 20kHz (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the hearing system of humans and birds?

The ability to repair sensory hair cells (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the external pinna lost in some mammals?

Due to its impediment to locomotion (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge faced by fish in terms of sound communication?

Their body density is similar to that of water (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the decline in human hearing with age?

It led to the development of a sonic 'teenager deterrent' (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sensory hair cells in the cochlea?

To allow humans to hear (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the ear structure of humans and birds in terms of the number of inner ear bones?

Humans have three, birds have one (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which jumping spiders sense sound?

Tiny hairs on their forelegs (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the barn owl's specialized feathers around the facial disk?

To direct sounds to the ear openings (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the evolution of sound detection in many animals?

To detect predators (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the free-floating 'ears' in baleen whales?

To detect high-frequency sounds (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge faced by small animals in terms of sound detection?

Determining the direction of sound (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the tymbal in insects?

To produce sound through vibration (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adaptive value of sound communication in animals?

Reproduction and mating (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the development of local dialects in some species?

To enhance species recognition (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which brandt's voles reduce their risk of predation?

Mowing the grass around them (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of competition between species in the 'soundscape'?

Decreased communication effectiveness (D) Signup and view all the answers