Pure Ultrasonic Communication in an Endemic Bornean Frog

摘要: Huia cavitympanum, an endemic Bornean frog, is the first amphibian species known to emit exclusively ultrasonic (i.e., >20 kHz) vocal signals. To test hypothesis that these frogs use purely vocalizations for intraspecific communication, we performed playback experiments with male in their natural calling sites. We found respond increased broadcasts of conspecific calls containing only ultrasound. The field study was complemented by electrophysiological recordings from auditory midbrain and laser Doppler vibrometer measurements tympanic membrane's response acoustic stimulation. These revealed frog's system broadly tuned over high frequencies, peak sensitivity occurring within frequency range. Our results demonstrate H. cavitympanum non-mammalian vertebrate described communicate data suggest further examination similarities differences high-frequency/ultrasonic communication systems Odorrana tormota, unrelated frog produces detects ultrasound but does not calls, will afford new insights into mechanisms underlying high-frequency communication.