Grasshopper mice employ distinct vocal production mechanisms in different social contexts

摘要: Functional changes in vocal organ morphology and motor control facilitate the evolution of acoustic signal diversity. Although many rodents produce vocalizations a variety social contexts, few studies have explored underlying production mechanisms. Here, we describe mechanisms audible ultrasonic (USVs) produced by grasshopper mice (genus Onychomys ). Grasshopper are predatory desert that both loud, long-distance advertisement calls USVs close-distance mating contexts. Using live-animal recording normal air heliox, laryngeal tract morphological investigations, biomechanical modelling, found employ two distinct In higher-harmonic amplitudes indicate an airflow-induced tissue vibration mechanism, whereas fundamental frequency support whistle mechanism. Vocal membranes thin lamina propria aid increasing glottal efficiency permitting high frequencies, respectively. addition, tuning to second resonance bell-shaped increases call amplitude. Our findings can dynamically adjust suit context novel adaptations communication.