Amplification of frog calls by leaf substrates: implications for terrestrial and arboreal species

摘要: Signal detection is a minimum requirement for any communicative interaction. Acoustic signals, however, often experience amplitude losses during their transmission through the environment, reducing range. Displaying from sites that increase of sound produced, such as cavities or some reflective surfaces, can improve detectability signals by distant receivers. Understanding how display influence production is, far understood. We measured effect leaf calling on calls an arboreal (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni) and leaf-litter specialist (Silverstoneia flotator) frog species. collected leaves where males both species were observed calling, conducted playback experiments to measure calls. Overall, used H. fleischmanni S. flotator similar dimensions, amplified each about 5.0 2.5 dB, respectively. The degree call amplification was unrelated dimensions position frogs leaves, but explained different frequency content Depending spatial location intended unintended receivers, we suggest could represent either benefit impose costs terrestrial argue microhabitat substrate which animals needs be considered when addressing signal evolution. Lay summaryAnimals produce specific locations in yet know surprisingly little effects small-scale habitat animal communication. Here show are they use sites. consequences this enhancement need relation (males females) receivers (predators parasites).