Marine Mammal Acoustics

Abstract

AbstractBioacoustics combines the fields of biology and acoustics to answer questions about hearing, sound production and sound communication in animals. Marine mammals have specialised hearing abilities and use sounds in different ways underwater. How do whales and seals use sound for communication and to find prey? How are they affected by human-made sounds from ships, oil exploration and windfarms? To answer such questions, you need to study marine mammals, be well-trained in natural sciences and know about animal anatomy, physiology and behaviour. You also need a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of acoustics, maths and physics. Bioacoustics is a truly interdisciplinary research field involving biologists, physicists and engineers trying to understand the world of biological sound, how sounds are produced and used by animals. Additionally, underwater acoustic recordings can reveal which areas animals use during different seasons. Bioacoustics can also be used to improve wildlife protection by regulating damaging sound sources in marine mammal habitats. Using the exercises at the end of this chapter, students learn about frequencies, decibels and their own hearing abilities, as well as how to build their own underwater microphone.