Sound amplification by means of a horn-like roosting structure in Spix's disc-winged bat.

摘要: While sound is a signal modality widely used by many animals, it very susceptible to attenuation, hampering effective long-distance communication. A strategy minimize attenuation that has been historically humans use acoustic horns; date, no other animal known similar structure increase intensity. Here, we describe how the of roosting resembles an horn (the tapered tubes form when new leaves plants such as Heliconia or Calathea species start unfurl) increases amplification incoming and outgoing social calls Spix's disc-winged bat ( Thyroptera tricolor ) locate roosts group members. Our results indicate are significantly amplified result waves being increasingly compressed they move into narrow end leaf. Outgoing were faintly amplified, probably increased directionality. Both types call, however, experienced significant distortion, which might explain patterns recognition previously observed in behavioural experiments. study provides first evidence potential role roost can play facilitating communication bats.