Development and Functions of Signature Whistles of Free-Ranging Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus

摘要: Abstract : This thesis investigated the development and functions of individually distinctive signature whistles free-ranging bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in waters near Sarasota, Florida. First, results playback experiments strongly suggested that dolphins use for individual recognition. Second, male calves were more likely than females to produce whistle contours similar those their mothers, whereas distinct from mothers. Male appeared other (called variant whistles) did females. Finally, several sources data indicate learning plays a role development; this contrasts with what is known about vocal non-human mammalian species. Focal observations acoustic recordings mother-calf pairs conducted examine effects early social auditory environment on development. provided preliminary insights into factors affecting both time course whether or not calf develops contour its mother, these included strength association, number associates, overall heard, produced by mother.... Development, Functions, Dolphins.