FROM ECHOLOCATION TO VISION:
ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF TARGETS
The aim of this project is to measure the echoes from targets used in a cross-modal (echolocation to vision) matching-to-sample experiment using a simulated biosonar signal. The recorded echoes will provide information on what a dolphin is receiving while it performs the echolocation task. Results will provide insights on the cues and processes associated with the fine-scale echolocation abilities of dolphins.
Background Information
The National University of Singapore has been conducting cross-modal matching-to-sample research with dolphins for many years. In this type of experiment, a sample target is presented acoustically to a dolphin under water by concealing the object in a box with an opaque plexiglas in the front (so the dolphin can echolocate on the target but not see it while doing so), subsequently the dolphin is asked to find and select the matching object in air (where the animal can see but not echolocate) from up to four alternatives. While performing this study, the underwater echoes from the targets will be collected using a simulated biosonar system. The results will provide information on what type of acoustic cues of the shape of the targets the dolphin is receiving.
AIMS
The aims of this project are to:
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record the returning signals of targets commonly used in vision-to-echolocation experiments;
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identify the acoustic cues available to echolocating dolphins;
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provide information on how dolphins can match visual and acoustic cues.
PROJECT BLOGS(COMING SOON)