TY - JOUR
T1 - The influence of behavioural context on Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) airborne mother-pup vocalisation
AU - Collins, Kym T.
AU - McGreevy, Paul D.
AU - Wheatley, Kathryn E.
AU - Harcourt, Robert G.
PY - 2011/7
Y1 - 2011/7
N2 - Previous mammalian studies have demonstrated that varying levels of signaller arousal are frequently expressed through vocal behaviour. The potential for callers to convey their motivational state may ensure that recipient responses are appropriate to their needs. The current study investigated the influence of behavioural context on Weddell seal mother-pup vocalisation. Mother and pup call rates were calculated within five and seven behavioural contexts, respectively, and the acoustic characteristics of 69 pup calls were measured within four contexts (total calls = 276). Context significantly influenced the temporal patterning of calls, with reuniting mothers and pups and lone active pups emitting more calls than during mother-pup contact periods. Reuniting and lone pup calls were also characterised by longer durations, higher fundamental frequencies, and increased energy in upper harmonics. Results suggest that reunion events and lone pup searching are characterised by calls reflective of heightened arousal, compared with mother-pup contact periods.
AB - Previous mammalian studies have demonstrated that varying levels of signaller arousal are frequently expressed through vocal behaviour. The potential for callers to convey their motivational state may ensure that recipient responses are appropriate to their needs. The current study investigated the influence of behavioural context on Weddell seal mother-pup vocalisation. Mother and pup call rates were calculated within five and seven behavioural contexts, respectively, and the acoustic characteristics of 69 pup calls were measured within four contexts (total calls = 276). Context significantly influenced the temporal patterning of calls, with reuniting mothers and pups and lone active pups emitting more calls than during mother-pup contact periods. Reuniting and lone pup calls were also characterised by longer durations, higher fundamental frequencies, and increased energy in upper harmonics. Results suggest that reunion events and lone pup searching are characterised by calls reflective of heightened arousal, compared with mother-pup contact periods.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79960272636&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.beproc.2011.06.005
DO - 10.1016/j.beproc.2011.06.005
M3 - Article
C2 - 21718762
AN - SCOPUS:79960272636
SN - 0376-6357
VL - 87
SP - 286
EP - 290
JO - Behavioural Processes
JF - Behavioural Processes
IS - 3
ER -