mindblowingscience:Scientists discover how birds localize sound sourcesGerman researchers have f
mindblowingscience: Scientists discover how birds localize sound sources German researchers have figured out how birds locate the source of a sound even though they don’t have external ears. Outer ears on mammals help the animal identify whether sounds are coming above, below or at the same level. Technische Universität München (TUM) has solved that mystery, publishing its findings in the journal PLOS ONE. The location of a sound is key to survival, say the scientists. For instance, blackbirds perform sing-offs to attract partners. The female must identify the correct suitor by locating the sound she prefers. “Because birds have no external ears, it has long been believed that they are unable to differentiate between sounds coming from different elevations,” said Hans A. Schnyder, chair of zoology at TUM. “But a female blackbird should be able to locate her chosen mate even if the source of the serenade is above her.” Continue Reading. -- source link
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