2013-06-18T23:18:01Z http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/oai.article

oai:doaj-articles:09deef8e70fa208b06c1ef7cb7d399f8 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Discours d'ouverture du colloque http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/63.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=63 Busquin P. Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:b74178c0a8b2fed97978076ec6266baf 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Développement d'un système harmonisé de surveillance de la qualité des terres agricoles en Région wallonne anticipant la future directive européenne sur les sols http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/69.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=69 Warin A. Bernaerdt R. Delcarte E. Maesen P. Naud J. Marcoen JM. Setting-up of a soil monitoring system in Walloon Region anticipating the future European directive on soil. The European Commission currently finalizes its Framework Directive for soil protection waited for the end 2004. The project ARVA of the Walloon Region aims setting up the monitoring of arable land. The project proceeds in four phases: (i) the development of a soil monitoring which complies with the requirements of both the European regulation and the Walloon agriculture practices; (ii) the inventory of existing knowledge on the quality of soil in the Walloon Region and their relevance at Regional scale; (iii) the best estimate of the accuracy needed to detect evolutions in soil. To do this, test sites will help to validate the methodology used; (iv) an analysis of the strategies for structuring a future monitoring network. This strategy depends on the threat taken into consideration, as the selected options shall not compromise future needs for monitoring. Quality soil monitoring indicator network Belgium Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:aaf5071cfd6820631df917aecba26143 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Intérêt d'une stratification pédologique pour la constitution de référentiels régionaux sur les teneurs en éléments traces métalliques dans les sols de Wallonie http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/83.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=83 Colinet G. Laroche J. Etienne M. Lacroix D. Bock L. Pertinence of pedological stratification of regional-scale reference systems about metallic trace elements content in soils.Walloon case studies. The natural background levels of metallic trace elements (ETM) in soils should be known in order (i) to understand the processes in which they are involved and (ii) to settle reference systems dedicated to the appraisal of agricultural or forest management practices, to the detection of contaminations, or to the time-course follow-up of regional values. A methodological framework has thus been set up to evaluate the importance of natural driving factors, also-called the pedogeochemical background, of the spatial distribution of ETM in soils. The methodology also aims at defining indicator values of the current degree of ETM contamination in agricultural soils. The spatial distributions of both ETM content and soil forming factors constitute the basement parameters of regional reference soil systems (RSS) about ETM content. The stratification of these regional reference soil systems on a pedological base, which means that soil volumes are clearly identified, appears to be valuable to refine predictions. This is shown through some case studies in the Walloon Region from Belgium. The more the regional reference systems will consider ancillary soil information as well as the geographic specificities of small natural regions, the more they will be relevant to detect local contaminations. For that reason, the digital soil map of Belgium can be considered as a potential powerfull tool for geochemical mapping, after an adaptation of its legend. Regional reference systems soil health metallic trace elements natural background values spatial variability Belgium Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:426a835df49e6dceafe5c7769cbb9ba1 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Développement de systèmes spatiaux d'aide à la décision en environnement : applications de l'Outil Géo-Environnemental d'Aide à la Décision (OGEAD) valorisant les données sols http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/95.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=95 Engels P. Bock L. Hecq P. Opdecamp L. Setting up Spatial Decision Support Systems in environmental fields: examples from “Outil Géo-Environnemental d'Aide à la Décision (OGEAD)” with a special emphasis for soil data. OGEAD is a project that aims to disseminate geographical information related to the environment to civil servants and interested people. This publication describes/explains three examples highlighting environmental data, in particular those related to soil. These examples show an evolution from stand alone applications to WebGIS applications allowing intranet and internet distribution. The publication emphasises the importance of linking data distribution with adapted tools for an efficient use; these tools include various components such as presentation, interpretation and diagnostics. Geographical information systems intranet/internet databases computer systems (applications) decision support environment physical environment soil data publishing Belgium Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:bc1494a6e7cfca73256358e10bd06890 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Gestion durable des terrains affectés par les anciennes activités industrielles en Wallonie : les enjeux et les défis posés par l'évaluation des risques dans le cadre des nouveaux développements réglementaires sur la pollution locale des sols http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/101.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=101 Halen H. Moutier M. Maes E. Sustainable management of sites affected by past industrial activities in Wallonia: the stakes and the challenges of “risk assessment” within the framework of the new policy developments on (local) soil pollutions. Risk-based land management is a concept that stands out more and more frequently in soil policies adopted by different European countries, as well as within the framework of the future European directive on soil protection. This concept intends to act as a lever for sustainable solution development in terms of rehabilitation by ensuring the following principles: (1) reduction of risks (human health, ecosystems) allowing sites to be reused safely (concept of “fitness for use”); (2) prevention of any pollutant dispersion risk (concept of “environmental protection”); (3) long-term care while minimising the burden of controlling, maintenance and monitoring. These ideas have been taken as backdrop for the Walloon decree “on soil remediation and rehabilitation of disused economic activity sites”. Risk control has been taken as a key point for any decision related to historically polluted sites. However, to be effective, this option stands out that reliable and efficient methodological tools are available for land evaluation (risk assessment). Three decision-making tools, specifically developed for the intended applications in the Walloon Region, are presented in the paper: (1) a global risk evaluation method allowing ranking of polluted sites; (2) a method to decide, at the end of the first step of the investigation procedure (preliminary soil investigation), whether further investigations are required or not; (3) a methodological procedure to proceed to a detailed risk assessment at the end of the in-depth investigation step. Perspectives are proposed to improve these first tools. It has also been shown that the challenge of sustainable solutions for the management of polluted sites finally depends on answers that will be progressively developed by the scientific community. These have to take into account all aspects of the Walloon context. Risk assessment risk based land management ranking method soil screening values. Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:7c492d91089c8c7ae35406bc9d822f06 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Transposition de la Directive Nitrate (CE) en Région wallonne : azote potentiellement lessivable de référence pour les sols cultivés en Région wallonne http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/111.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=111 Vandenberghe C. Marcoen JM. Transposition of the Nitrate Directive (EC) in the Walloon Region (Belgium): establishment of the potentially leachable nitrogen references in the Walloon Region. October 10th, 2002, the Walloon Government transposed the Nitrate Directive (91/676 EC) in the Walloon right and initiated the Durable Management Programme of Nitrogen in agriculture (in french PGDA). PGDAspecifies agricultural practices ensuring the protection of water quality, develops a Quality Approach (in french DQ) and set up a framing structure ensuring the follow-up of the Directive and an assistance to the farmers. In the farms registered in DQ, five fields are sampled each year in order to establish the profile for nitric nitrogen concentration in the soil. These results are compared with Potentially Leachable Nitrogen values (in french APL) of reference (in terms of reasoned fertilization) established annually by GRENeRA and ÉCOP (UCL). These references are built on the basis of measurements carried out annually in a serie of selected points representative of the Walloon agriculture called Agricultural Surfaces Survey (in french SSA) set up by these two scientific partners of Nitrawal. Twenty five farms currently constitute this SSA in which two hundred plots are followed annually for nitric nitrogen concentration in the soil. Nitrate directive agriculture water EC Belgium Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:a6a09c160c26f3c946e440e914aaf4d0 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Le bilan azoté dans les exploitations porcines wallonnes : entre contraintes environnementales et qualité différenciée http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/119.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=119 Degré A. Verhève D. Debouche C. Nitrogen balance in pig farms of the Walloon Region: between quality of production and environmental constraints. During the year 2002 and 2003, 21 pig farms were audited using the “Ecoferme” software. This software uses data commonly available at farm level to calculate nitrogen stocks and fluxes within the farm and between the farms, the environment and other enterprises. The farms were of three groups according to their specifications in pig production: organic farms, labelled farms and conventional farms. The results are given in relation to the nitrogen directive of the European Union and the Walloon right. This comparison gives information on nitrogen uses in the three contrasted pig production chains in the Walloon Region. This article shows that the environmental performances of pig farms vary strongly within the groups. Nevertheless, it shows that, even if the majority of the farms reached a target above the political goals, the labelled farms have the best global results. Environmental impact swine quality labels nitrogen ecobalance Belgium Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:3078eab4f7266897386326d47443a542 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

La science forestière en soutien des négociations internationales sur les changements climatiques et ses implications locales http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/125.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=125 Laitat, E. Forest science in support to international negotiation on climate change and its local consequences. This article gives an analysis of the major scientific questions underlying the decision making process dealing with forest monitoring under the topic land use, land use change and forestry as a driving force for climate change. It first gives the major scientific findings used as guidelines for political decisions since 1988. It than gives the head-lines of scientific reports which were requested as decision tools in the international negotiation on climate change and describes the redaction process in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. After a prospective analysis on key political issues around the Kyoto Protocol, the article concludes on the need for scientific expertise in the follow up of these technical debates. Climate change Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Kyoto Protocol decision making forests land use policies Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:87d083d95188cc68fc05f9562c665217 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Changes in soil carbon stocks from 1960 to 2000 in the main Belgian cropland areas http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/133.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=133 van Wesemael B. Lettens S. Roelandt C. Van Orshoven J. Inventories of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks for 1960, 1990 and 2000 have recently become available for Belgium. From these inventories we selected three agricultural regions (Polders, Loam belt and Condroz) with 60 to 80 % of the agricultural area under cropland in order to analyse the driving forces of the changes in SOC stocks over time. The observed values of SOC stocks of typical soil associations for each agricultural region are compared to simulations with the RothC soil carbon model. After estimating the local parameters by fitting the model to SOC values from a long term experiment in central Belgium, the model was run from 1960 to 2000 for typical soil profiles of soil associations in the three agricultural regions. The main factors inducing changes in SOC stocks are the increase in plough depth as a result of continued mechanisation in the 1960’s and the sustained input of organic amendments in the form of farm yard manure and slurry. In contrast to earlier publications on CO2 emissions from agricultural soils, the model did not predict a decrease in SOC stocks for the period 1990–2000. The decrease in animal manure production observed during the 1990’s for those regions with a concentration of intensive livestock breeding in Flanders suggests that SOC stocks in croplands will continue to decrease. This will lead to an emission of 0.41 Mt CO2 per year for the three main cropland areas of Belgium in the near future and hence partly offset the carbon sequestration potential of improved cropland management (0.95 Mt CO2 per year). Soil organic carbon long term experiments modelling carbon sequestration Belgium Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:a01b7cd6f3462af255d703a4af54dee4 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

The inventory-based approach for prediction of SOC change following land use change http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/141.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=141 Lettens S. Van Orshoven J. van Wesemael B. Perrin D. Roelandt C. This paper describes and illustrates an approach to predict soil organic carbon (SOC) change in time after land use change as derived from SOC differences in space. The approach requires the availability of a SOC inventory for spatially explicit combinations of soil and land use type, further termed landscape units (LSU). SOC of LSU with equal soil type but different land use type are compared and the observed differences in SOC are interpreted as the expected SOC change after the corresponding land use change. From a confrontation with time series of agro-statistical data on crop and grassland areas and on animal manure production, we conclude that the approach is a low-cost alternative for more complex methods like multitemporal assessments and modelling, provided that (i) an inventory reflecting current management and climate conditions and (ii) additional information on the extent and type of recent land use changes are available. Examples of land use and land management changes are discussed, such as grassland – cropland conversions, the conversion of permanent to temporary grassland, or changes in manure application. Soil organic carbon national inventory spatially explicit landscape units Belgium Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:ee98d46225598afb713d4f2d95dcdfce 2004-07-15T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences Agriculture_and_Food_Sciences

Discours de clôture du colloque http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v8n2/147.pdf http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=13706233&date=2004&volume=8&issue=2&spage=147 Happart, J. Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement University of Gembloux 2004

oai:doaj-articles:8adc78af367860ca3cfa045e4d30d507 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Advances in bioacoustics http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200001 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=i Vielliard Jacques M.E. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:92f78c5d44eee371a9378811214a379d 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Innateness and the instinct to learn http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200002 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=189 Marler Peter Concepts of innateness were at the heart of Darwin's approach to behavior and central to the ethological theorizing of Lorenz and, at least to start with, of Tinbergen. Then Tinbergen did an about face, and for some twenty years the term 'innate' became highly suspect. He attributed the change to Lehrman's famous 1953 critique in which he asserted that classifying behaviors as innate tells us nothing about how they develop. Although Lehrman made many valid points, I will argue that this exchange also led to profound misunderstandings that were ultimately damaging to progress in research on the development of behavior. The concept of 'instincts to learn', receiving renewed support from current theorizing among geneticists about phenotypic plasticity, provides a potential resolution of some of the controversies that Lehrman created. Bioacoustical studies, particularly on song learning in birds, serve both to confirm some of Lehrman's anxieties about the term 'innate', but also to make a case that he threw out the genetic baby with the bathwater. The breathtaking progress in molecular and developmental genetics has prepared the way for a fuller understanding of the complexities underlying even the simplest notions of innate behavior, necessary before we can begin to comprehend the ontogeny of behavior. innateness song learning phenotypic plasticity behavioral genetics Tinbergen's four questions Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:0ac1463fc4704c780d16d821750e1ecc 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

From birdsong to speech: a plea for comparative approaches http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200003 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=201 Todt Dietmar Human language and speech are unique accomplishments. Nevertheless, they share a number of characteristics with other systems of communication, and investigators have thus compared them to birdsong and the vocal signaling of nonhuman primates. Particular interesting parallels concern the development of singing and speaking. These behaviors rely on auditory perception, subsequent memorization and finally, the generation of vocal imitations. Several mechanisms help young individuals to deal with the various challenges during the time of signal development. Specific differences aside, astounding parallels can be found also in how a human and a particularly accomplished bird like the Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos treat the experience of many different sound patterns or songs. As a consequence of such exposure, both human infants and young birds eventually acquire large repertoires of verbal or vocal signals. These achievements, however, require access to specific memory mechanisms which are well adapted to the purposes they serve, thereby allowing them to fulfil their species typical roles. With such aspects as a reference, birdsong is an excellent biological model for memory research and also an appropriate system for the study of evolutionary strategies in a very successful class of organisms. song learning language acquisition speech segmentation units of interaction signal repertoires Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:1dedb976a5fc8d29db4a27ee38349eed 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Rules of song development and their use in vocal interactions by birds with large repertoires http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200004 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=209 Geberzahn Nicole Hultsch Henrike Songbirds are well known for settling their disputes by vocal signals, and their singing plays a dominant role. Most studies on this issue have concentrated on bird species that develop and use small vocal repertoires. In this article we will go farther and focus on examples of how species with large song repertoires make use of their vocal competence. In particular, we will outline the study of interaction rules which have been elucidated by examining time- and pattern-specific relationships between signals exchanged by territorial neighbors. First we present an inquiry into the rules of song learning and development. In birds with large song repertoires, the ontogeny of such rules proceeds along a number of trajectories which help in understanding the often remarkable accomplishments of adult birds. In both approaches, our model species will be the Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos that has been investigated intensively in the field and in the laboratory. song development developmental trajectories interaction by song vocal duels Common Nightingale Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:95ddfd2de0f3cb722d2a2d9d07c55aed 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Approaches to the mechanisms of song memorization and singing provide evidence for a procedural memory http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200005 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=219 Hultsch Henrike Todt Dietmar There is growing evidence that, during song learning, birds do not only acquire 'what to sing' (the inventory of behavior), but also 'how to sing' (the singing program), including order-features of song sequencing. Common Nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos acquire such serial information by segmenting long strings of heard songs into smaller subsets or packages, by a process reminiscent of the chunking of information as a coding mechanism in short term memory. Here we report three tutoring experiments on nightingales that examined whether such 'chunking' was susceptible to experimental cueing. The experiments tested whether (1) 'temporal phrasing' (silent intersong intervals spaced out at particular positions of a tutored string), or (2) 'stimulus novelty' (groups of novel song-types added to a basic string), or (3) 'pattern similarity' in the phonetic structure of songs (here: sharing of song initials) would induce package boundaries (or chunking) at the manipulated sequential positions. The results revealed cueing effects in experiments (1) and (2) but not in experiment (3). The finding that birds used temporal variables as cues for chunking does not require the assumption that package formation is a cognitive strategy. Rather, it points towards a mechanism of procedural memory operating in the song acquisition of birds. song learning procedural memory song sequencing short-term memory chunking Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:bc90e2d91a5a5e348cb2dfb695351855 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Evidence of tutoring in the development of subsong in newly-fledged Meyer's Parrots Poicephalus meyeri http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200006 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=231 Masin Simone Massa Renato Bottoni Luciana Subsongs are vocal trials uttered by young birds to practice songs. Among songbirds, subsongs are displayed by individuals in their first year of life. Studies on Zebra Finches Poephila guttata suggest that the juveniles learn their songs from a vocal tutor, their father. In this study we examine the subsongs in six captive-born Meyer's Parrots Poicephalus meyeri, from fledging time to weaning. Recordings of songs from chicks and fathers were analyzed for similarities in frequency and time parameters. With age, the subsongs of the chicks became more similar to the vocalizations of the fathers with 20% similarity rating in the first week after fledging to 100% at weaning time. Moreover, fledged chicks were exposed to a wide range of stimuli from several species of parrots breeding pairs caged nearby but chicks exclusively learned their fathers' songs. Our data support the hypothesis that Meyer's Parrots are vocal learners and use their father as their tutor. subsong notes vocal tutor Meyer's Parrot Psittacidae Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:3bd5e449890a1a99cd3f1ba539617183 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

A memory like a female Fur Seal: long-lasting recognition of pup's voice by mothers http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200007 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=237 Mathevon Nicolas Charrier Isabelle Aubin Thierry In colonial mammals like fur seals, mutual vocal recognition between mothers and their pup is of primary importance for breeding success. Females alternate feeding sea-trips with suckling periods on land, and when coming back from the ocean, they have to vocally find their offspring among numerous similar-looking pups. Young fur seals emit a 'mother-attraction call' that presents individual characteristics. In this paper, we review the perceptual process of pup's call recognition by Subantarctic Fur Seal Arctocephalus tropicalis mothers. To identify their progeny, females rely on the frequency modulation pattern and spectral features of this call. As the acoustic characteristics of a pup's call change throughout the lactation period due to the growing process, mothers have thus to refine their memorization of their pup's voice. Field experiments show that female Fur Seals are able to retain all the successive versions of their pup's call. acoustic communication individual recognition learning process Fur Seal mammals Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:7f75623589fa3e4e07849651d5b226d8 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Identification and analysis of vocal communication pathways in birds through inducible gene expression http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200008 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=243 Mello Claudio V. The immediate-early gene zenk is an activity-dependent gene highly induced in auditory processing or vocal motor control brain areas when birds engage in hearing or producing song, respectively. Studies of the expression of zenk in songbirds and other avian groups will be reviewed here briefly, with a focus on how this analysis has generated new insights on the brain pathways and mechanisms involved in perceptual and motor aspects of vocal communication and vocal learning. zenk songbird auditory learning birdsong Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:785961d5da550682ee54b917b9005da9 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Vocal mechanisms in birds and bats: a comparative view http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200009 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=247 Suthers Roderick A. Vocal signals play a very important role in the life of both birds and echolocating bats, but these two unrelated groups of flying vertebrates have very different vocal systems. They nevertheless must solve many of the same problems in producing sound. This brief review examines avian and microchiropteran motor mechanisms for: 1) coordinating the timing of phonation with the vocal motor pattern that controls its acoustic properties, and 2) achieving respiratory strategies that provide adequate ventilation for pulmonary gas exchange, while also facilitating longer duration songs or trains of sonar pulses. birdsong echolocation minibreaths respiration vocalization Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:9b7afa2318cd60c0cd334e47704ce52a 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Combination sensitivity and processing of communication calls in the inferior colliculus of the Moustached Bat Pteronotus parnellii http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200010 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=253 Portfors Christine V. Many animals use complex communication calls in social behaviors. In some species we know the features in the calls that elicit particular behaviors, but we do not understand how the auditory system encodes the calls. Nor do we understand the mechanisms underlying neural selectivity to calls. Our studies of the auditory midbrain of the Moustached Bat Pteronotus parnellii have revealed a neural mechanism important for generating selective responses to calls. Neurons that integrate information across different frequencies show selectivity to communication calls. "Combination sensitivity" may be a common mechanism for encoding complex sounds because it is also important for encoding echolocation signals. auditory system inferior colliculus communication calls bat Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:a6a98dc595a7fc77b8ea410651f9b3bc 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Are communication activities shaped by environmental constraints in reverberating and absorbing forest habitats? http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200011 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=259 Manthevon Nicolas Aubin Thierry Dabelsteen Torben Vielliar Jacques M.E. In the dense vegetation of temperate or tropical forests, communication processes are constrained by propagation-induced modifications of the transmitted sounds. The presence of leaves, trunks and branches induces important sound reverberation and absorption leading to diminution of the signal energy as well as qualitative modifications. The aim of this paper is to briefly review the different strategies used by birds to manage with these constraints. At the emitter's level, an adapted emission behavior which takes into account both the physical heterogeneities of the forest environment and the temporal variations of the acoustic constraints, is especially useful to control the active space of signaling. The coding of information into acoustic parameters that have different susceptibility to propagation constraints is also of great interest. At the receiver's level, an adaptive reception behavior (listening post) and a great tolerance to sound degradation during the decoding process are the keys to an optimal communication process. acoustic communication propagation-induced modifications environmental constraints evolution of communication Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:e7d8ddbf95194903345dcd4983180e1e 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Degradation of song in a species using nesting holes: the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200012 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=264 Lampe Helene M. Dabelsteen Torben Larsen Ole N. Pedersen Simon B. The habitat, but also the nest hole of a hole-nesting species, will degrade the song during transmission. We investigated how the sounds degrade in a sound transmission experiment with the song of the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (Muscicapidae). Ten different song elements were transmitted to microphones placed inside and outside a nest box. On average, song degradation was much greater inside than outside the nest boxes, especially with respect to excess attenuation and blurring of the song elements. Being inside a nest box therefore strongly reduces a Pied Flycatcher's possibility of detecting and recognizing songs or eavesdropping on singing interactions. sound degradation hole nesting Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:fb4ddda24601f99bb856da770f2e992b 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Does the environment constrain avian sound localization? http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200013 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=267 Larsen Ole N. A bird needs to keep track not only of social interactions of conspecifics but also of their changing locations in space by determining their directions and distances. Current knowledge of accuracy in the computation of sound source location by birds is still insufficient, partly because physiological mechanisms of few species are studied in well defined laboratory settings, while field studies are performed in a variety of species and complex environments. Velocity gradients and reverberating surfaces may conceivably induce inaccuracy in sound source location (mainly elevation) by distorting the directional cues. However, most birds possess an inherently directional pressure difference receiver, which enhances the directional cues (mainly azimuth), and a computational mechanism in their auditory pathways to suppress echoes of redirected sound. directional hearing elevation azimuth angle precedence effect Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:4e55cbb833033ed2c72cc344aa3fa2ea 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Strategies that facilitate or counter eavesdropping on vocal interactions in songbirds http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200014 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=274 Dabelsteen Torben Most territorial songbirds live in communication networks where eavesdropping on vocal interactions may constitute an important option for gathering information regarding the relative dominance, condition and quality of individuals being eavesdropped upon. The relatively low costs and risks of eavesdropping, together with the obvious advantages of gaining such comparative information about other individuals, predict eavesdropping to be a widespread phenomenon even though it is not necessarily advantageous for the participants to be eavesdropped upon. Special eavesdropper strategies that facilitate eavesdropping (how best to eavesdrop) may therefore have evolved together with strategies for interacting that either co-facilitate (public signaling) or counter eavesdropping directly (private signaling) or indirectly by preventing any subsequent negative consequences of being eavesdropped upon (anonymity). This paper reviews the predictions for the strategies and also gives examples supporting their use by territorial songbirds in connection with vocal interactions. communication networks eavesdropping strategies vocal interactions Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:6e0ab8768192a448b44d6bd3a087fcc6 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Penguins and their noisy world http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200015 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=279 Aubin Thierry Penguins identify their mate or chick by an acoustic signal, the display call. This identification is realized in a particularly constraining environment: the noisy world of a colony of thousands of birds. To fully understand how birds solve this problem of communication, we have done observations, acoustic analysis, propagation and playback experiments with 6 species of penguins studied in the field. According to our results, it appears that penguins use a particularly efficient ''anti-confusion'' and ''anti-noise'' coding system, allowing a quick identification and localization of individuals on the move in a noisy crowd. communication in noise sound localization vocal recognition penguins Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:529f085ee1f4607686264833613c0765 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Tonal vocalizations in a noisy environment: an approach to their semi-automatic analysis and examples of its application http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200016 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=284 Mundry Roger Sommer Christian Vocalizations with an emphasized fundamental are common in many species of animals. Such calls can presumably be sufficiently described by measures of their fundamental shape or 'contour'. Here we describe a software we developed to analyze such vocalizations semi-automatically. The software is particularly designed to cope with vocalizations recorded in a noisy environment. Some of the algorithms implemented (e.g. signal detection, contour detection, contour measurement, validation) and some preliminary applications dealing with calls of different species of birds are presented. Finally, we briefly discuss the possible significance of such vocalizations. tonal vocalizations contour measurement software Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:6d44e4ae8c917a2a4823ab643eb75c59 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Causes and consequences of song amplitude adjustment in a territorial bird: a case study in nightingales http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200017 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=289 Brumm Henrik Vocal amplitude, one of the crucial factors for the exchange of acoustic signals, has been neglected in studies of animal communication, but recent studies on song variation in Common Nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos have revealed new insights into its importance in the singing behavior of territorial birds. In nightingales song amplitude is not maximized per se, but is individually regulated according to the level of masking background noise. Also, birds adjust their vocal intensity according to social variables, as in male-male interactions. Moreover, during such interactions, males exploited the directionality of their songs to broadcast them in the direction of the intended receivers ensuring the most effective signal transmission. Studies of the development of this typical long-range signaling suggest that sound level is highly interrelated with overall developmental progression and learning, and thus should be viewed as an integral part of song ontogeny. I conclude that song amplitude is a dynamic feature of the avian signal system, which is individually regulated according to the ecological demands of signal transmission and the social context of communication. acoustic communication birdsong Lombard effect background noise song development vocal amplitude Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:ec1ba8ecb958567ff93910bd588f7684 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Evolution of acoustic communication in crickets: phylogeny of Eneopterinae reveals an adaptive radiation involving high-frequency calling (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Eneopteridae) http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200018 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=297 Robillard Tony Desutter-Grandcolas Laure Evolution of dominant frequencies in songs of Eneopterinae crickets was studied with respect to phylogeny. Two characters are optimized on the tree: the first describes the frequency resulting from the vibration of the harp (Fda), and the second is due to the vibration of other tegminal areas (Fdb). Fda was found to be relatively stable through the subfamily. Its low ancestral state is replaced by a high Fda only once, resulting in high-frequency calling in [Cardiodactylus (Lebinthus-Agnotecous)]. A high Fdb component is added to the low ancestral Fda in Eneoptera guyanensis, resulting in frequency modulation. The onset of high Fd in this first subclade is accompanied by a high cladogenesis rate, which supports a hypothesis of adaptive radiation for high frequencies. The effectiveness of high-frequency calling is discussed in relation to the species behavior ecology. acoustic communication adaptation cladogenesis Ensifera evolutionary pattern phylogeny Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:028d8ce3f9808ab5cc0d598d83c4d0f3 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Acoustic evolution in crickets: need for phylogenetic study and a reappraisal of signal effectiveness http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200019 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=301 Desutter-Grandcolas Laure Robillard Tony Cricket stridulums and calls are highly stereotyped, except those with greatly modified tegmina and/or vena-tion, or ''unusual'' frequency, duration and/or intensity. This acoustic diversity remained unsuspected until recently, and current models of acoustic evolution in crickets erroneously consider this clade homogeneous for acoustic features. The few phylogenetic studies analyzing acoustic evolution in crickets demonstrated that acoustic behavior could be particularly labile in some clades. The ensuing pattern for cricket evolution is consequently extremely complex. We argue that: (1) phylogeny should always be considered when analyzing acoustic evolution, whatever characters are considered (signals, stridulums or behaviors). Consequently, future studies should be devoted to entire clades, and not consider isolated taxa; character and character state definitions should allow significant reconstructions of character evolutionary transformations; and homologies should be carefully defined for all characters, including behavior. (2) The factors responsible for song effectiveness should be reconsidered and hypotheses on their potential influence on signal evolution tested jointly by phylogenies (for example, to assess correlated transformations of acoustic and ecological features), and population studies (for example, to correlate call range and population structure, or test the predation risk associated with a signal structure). Better understanding these points should help clarifying acoustic evolution in crickets. acoustic communication evolution phylogeny calling song effectiveness crickets Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:634b35486ff10b26bbf125aedc2c107e 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Bioacoustic investigations and taxonomic considerations on the Cicadetta montana species complex (Homoptera: Cicadoidea: Tibicinidae) http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200020 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=316 Gogala Matija Trilar Tomi Recent bioacoustic investigations have shown that Cicadetta montana Scopoli 1772 is a complex of morphologically similar sister species that are best characterized by their song patterns. At the type locality of C. montana, only mountain cicadas with simple, long lasting song phrases were heard, recorded and collected. Therefore, we have good reasons to suggest that this type of song is characteristic for C. montana s. str. Boulard described a song of C. montana from France with phrases composed of a long and a short echeme; this type of song is characteristic for cicadas morphologically corresponding to C. montana var. brevipennis Fieber 1876; we suggest to raise this taxon to species level. On the basis of specific song, Puissant and Boulard described C. cerdaniensis from Pyrénées. A similar case was the discovery and description of C. montana macedonica Schedl 1999 from Macedonia; since these Macedonian cicadas are sympatric with at least two other cryptic species in the C. montana group and molecular investigations showed substantial genetic differences between C. macedonica and C. montana or C. brevipennis, we conclude that this taxon should also be raised to species level. Songs of closely related C. podolica and Korean mountain cicada are presented as well. Cicadetta montana Cicadetta spp. cicadas bioacoustics systematics Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:bef4b608be9f3f9d5f5e624699b05e20 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Complex communication signals: the case of the Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina (Aves, Emberizidae) song. Part I - A structural analysis http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200021 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=325 Fandiño-Mariño Hernán Vielliard Jacques M.E. The song of the Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina is different for every individual and the structural differences between individuals are quite complex. Samples of songs from different Brazilian localities, as well as from Venezuela and Mexico, were studied through a comparative analysis of their sonograms. From the structural point of view, the results show a song composed of a single note that is compacted in a ''window'' between 2 and 13 kHz and rarely occupying more than half of a second. The note is essentially pure and is repeatedly uttered with a high level of fidelity. A global frequency modulation decreases from the beginning to the end of the song. The main song components are referred to as ''Blocks'' and are of three types: ''Vibrations'' (Buzzes or Vibratos), ''Arabesques'' (complex notes) and ''Isolated Modulations'' (simple syllables). Among other characteristics are double voices, which are quite diverse and probably function as codes for individual recognition. This song is considered a special case where a signature system has been developed to a high level of inter-individual variability. Volatinia jacarina Blue-black Grassquit song structure individual song Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:b30bab1ebf246137cb65666155d589cb 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

How a simple and stereotyped acoustic signal transmits individual information: the song of the White-browed Warbler Basileuterus leucoblepharus http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200022 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=335 Aubin Thierry Mathevon Nicolas Silva Maria Luisa da Vielliard Jacques M.E. Sebe Frederic The White-browed Warbler Basileuterus leucoblepharus, a common bird of the BrazilianAtlantic forest, emits only one distinct song type in the context of territorial defense. Individual or neighbor-stranger recognition may be more difficult when birds share similar songs. In fact, the analysis of songs of different individuals reveals slight differences in the temporal and the frequency domains. Effectively, a careful examination of the signals of different individuals (21) by 5 complementary methods of analysis reveals first, that one or two gaps in frequency occur between two successive notes at different moments of the song, and second, that their temporal and frequency positions are stereotyped for each individual. Playback experiments confirm these findings. By propagation experiments, we show that this individual information can be only transmitted at short range (< 100 m) in the forest. In regard to the size and the repartition of territories, this communication process appears efficient and adaptive. bird acoustic communication individual information tropical forest Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:f8a13ca7b734c59b6ff2680d750068f9 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Comparative analysis of the song of the Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis (Emberizidae) between Campinas and Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200023 http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=345 Avelino Márcio F. Vielliard Jacques M.E. The regional dialects or regiolects of the Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis were compared between Campinas (47º06'W-22º90'S) and Botucatu (48º44'W-22º88'S), São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. Songs of 88 individuals from thirteen localities were recorded. Sonograms showed that two areas presented more homogeneous songs, forming two regiolects. In 11 localities most individuals shared the same song type. At the other two localities, they sang up to 5 different song types. This occurs at the boundaries of the regiolects, and was also where individuals singing more than one song type were found. Similarities between song types were not related to geographic distance between the respective singers. A comparative analysis showed similarities in these regiolects with song of populations from Northeastern Brazil. bioacoustics geographic variation Zonotrichia capensis birds São Paulo State Brazil Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:14ec668c4856b1fa8a5bdfa82edaab50 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Acoustic communication in the Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200024 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=350 Kumar Anil This paper deals with acoustic communication in the Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer. This species emits a high variety of vocal signals that can be classified on the basis of their acoustical features and context of production. Individuals sang throughout the year and most songs were discrete and stereotyped. The songs were composed of strophes (phrases) with minor structural variations of elements that were preceded and followed by a temporal gap (3 to 12s). Most strophes were composed of 2 to 6 elements that were often dissimilar in structure and ranging from 0.98 to 4.5 kHz. The biological function of the song appeared to be to maintain pair bonds and to synchronize breeding activities. Different types of context-specific calls were identified. Individuals produced Type-I alarm calls (fast and wide-band, 1.03 to 6.36 kHz) under low predation pressure andType-II calls (narrowfrequency range, 1.37 to 3.39 kHz) under high predation pressure. Roosting calls were fast and wide-band signals phonetically similar to Type-I alarm calls. Three types of begging/contact calls were recorded in nestlings/fledglings. Greeting calls and flight calls were composed of complex phrases, like song, but were short and used for proximate functions. acoustic communication Pycnonotus cafer bird song alarm calls roosting calls flight calls Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:c45d1f5f08e484ffb340d7f17d228f49 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Variation in the behavioral responses of Budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus to an alarm call in relation to sex and season http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200025 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=359 Nicolas Gérard Fraigneau Cloé Aubin Thierry In the Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus, the significance of a conspecific alarm call was investigated in two seasons, winter and spring. Two qualitatively different behavioral responses were displayed by the receivers in reply to playbacks: call(s) and/or taking flight(s). The comparative analysis of the number of birds responding to the alarm and to the control signals revealed two major facts: 1) in both seasons, the responses to the alarm signal were only observed for females, not for males, 2) qualitatively, females exhibited a great inter-season variability in their behavioral responses to the hearing of an alarm call. In winter, the females were more predisposed to emit acoustic responses while in spring they mainly took flight. Budgerigars alarm call sex season response plasticity Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:349943882274be4591af26c2fd962bd4 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Modulation by steroid hormones of a ''sexy'' acoustic signal in an Oscine species, the Common Canary Serinus canaria http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200026 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=365 Rybak Fanny Gahr Manfred The respective influence of testosterone and estradiol on the structure of the Common Canary Serinus canaria song was studied by experimentally controlling blood levels of steroid hormones in males and analyzing the consequent effects on acoustic parameters. A detailed acoustic analysis of the songs produced before and after hormonal manipulation revealed that testosterone and estradiol seem to control distinct song parameters independently. The presence of receptors for testosterone and estradiol in the brain neural pathway controlling song production strongly suggests that the observed effects are mediated by a steroid action at the neuronal level. Oscines Common Canary song steroid hormones Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:2cd6821468b36375bbbf93444dd5a7cf 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Isolation induced changes in Guinea Pig Cavia porcellus pup distress whistles http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200027 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=368 Monticelli Patrícia F. Tokumaru Rosana S. Ades César Guinea Pig Cavia porcellus pups emit high-pitched distress whistles when separated from their mother. In order to assess the influence of the duration of a brief isolation period on whistle acoustic structure, werecorded the distress whistles of six 8-day old pups separated for 15 min from their group in a novel environment and compared the mean values of the first and last 30 whistle notes. Acoustic analysis revealed, throughout the session, a significant decrease in whistle duration, an increase in mean frequency and a tendency for a decrease in number of harmonics in the first part of the note. Results demonstrate that, throughout a brief isolation period, the vocal response of Guinea Pig pups to isolation undergoes structural changes possibly related to time-dependent changes in motivational state. acoustic communication isolation calls Guinea Pig Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:eee1b72dda9eb72b3dbfd728f4eda584 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

The song of the Brazilian population of Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae, in the year 2000: individual song variations and possible implications http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200028 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=373 Arraut Eduardo M. Vielliard Jacques M.E. The song of the Brazilian population of the Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae was studied in its breeding and calving ground, the Abrolhos Bank, Bahia, Brazil, from July to November 2000. Aural and spectral analyses of digital recordings were completed for approximately 20 song cycles, totaling 5 hours of song from 10 different recording events. We identified 24 note types, organized in five themes. All songs presented the same themes and the order in which they were sung did not vary. We registered the appearance of a note type and the disappearance of a phrase ending, which indicate that the song changed as the season progressed. Moreover, we detected individual variation in the way singers performed certain complex note types. As songs are transmitted culturally, it is likely that singers have different abilities to compose and/or learn new notes. If, as it has been previously suggested, 'new' songs are preferred to 'old' ones, these more able singers will be sending out information about their learning abilities that could be used by other whales to decide whether or not to interact with them. Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae song Brazilian population 2000 individual song variation Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:23e5a82ec050a4c996e3467ad41e075b 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Analysis of whistles produced by the Tucuxi Dolphin Sotalia fluviatilis from Sepetiba Bay, Brazil http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200029 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=381 Erber Claudia Simão Sheila M. From July 2001 to June 2002, we recorded a total of 2h55min of Tucuxi Dolphin Sotalia fluviatilis vocalizations from Sepetiba Bay, Brazil (22º35'S-44º03'W). A total of 3350 whistles were analyzed quantitative and qualitatively and were divided into 124 types, by visual inspection of sonograms. The following parameters were measured: Initial Frequency, Final Frequency, Minimum Frequency, Maximum Frequency, Duration, Number of Inflections, Frequency at the Inflection Points, Frequency at 1/2, 1/4, and 3/4 of whistle duration, Presence of Frequency Modulation and Harmonics. Ascending type whistles (N=2719) were most common, representing 82% of the total. Dolphin behavior and average group size observed during recording influenced the whistle's quantitative and qualitative parameters. The results demonstrate the great diversity of whistles emitted and indicate a functional role of these vocalizations during the observed behaviors. Sotalia fluviatilis Cetacea Delphinidea vocal repertoire whistles behavior Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:185c9080941ba01f408e492cef6cdb3e 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Differences in the whistle characteristics and repertoire of Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200030 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=386 Bazúa-Durán Carmen Several methods have been used to compare the whistles produced by dolphins. The two methods used in this study are: (1) a classification of whistle contours in six categories (i.e. constant frequency, upsweep, downsweep, concave, convex, and sine) and (2) the extraction of frequency and time parameters from each whistle contour. Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus whistles are described in the same way when comparing whistle contour distributions in each of the six categories and whistle frequency and time parameters using Discriminant Function Analysis. For Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris whistles, each method describes whistles differently. Several facts may explain these differences in describing dolphin whistles, such as a greater fluidity of Spinner Dolphin groups when compared to Bottlenose Dolphin groups, greater geographic variation in the whistles of Bottlenose Dolphins than in those of Spinner Dolphins, an average beginning frequency 16% lower than the average ending frequency in Spinner Dolphin whistles compared to a varied relationship for Bottlenose Dolphins, and stricter criteria used to define whistle contour categories in the study of Spinner Dolphin whistles than in the Bottlenose Dolphin whistle study. whistle characteristics classification methods whistle comparison geographic variations Delphinidae Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:4e253fa03c811a84a1a09cd7fd20a04d 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Long-distance calls in Neotropical primates http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200031 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=393 Oliveira Dilmar A.G. Ades César Long-distance calls are widespread among primates. Several studies concentrate on such calls in just one or in few species, while few studies have treated more general trends within the order. The common features that usually characterize these vocalizations are related to long-distance propagation of sounds. The proposed functions of primate long-distance calls can be divided into extragroup and intragroup ones. Extragroup functions relate to mate defense, mate attraction or resource defense, while intragroup functions involve group coordination or alarm. Among Neotropical primates, several species perform long-distance calls that seem more related to intragroup coordination, markedly in atelines. Callitrichids present long-distance calls that are employed both in intragroup coordination and intergroup contests or spacing. Examples of extragroup directed long-distance calls are the duets of titi monkeys and the roars and barks of howler monkeys. Considerable complexity and gradation exist in the long-distance call repertoires of some Neotropical primates, and female long-distance calls are probably more important in non-duetting species than usually thought. Future research must focus on larger trends in the evolution of primate long-distance calls, including the phylogeny of calling repertoires and the relationships between form and function in these signals. long calls Neotropics primates vocal communication Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:1216818242cfdf8d5638de08551ee38f 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Vocal sequential exchanges and intragroup spacing in the Northern Muriqui Brachyteles arachnoides hypoxanthus http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200032 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=399 Mendes Francisco D.C. Ades César Sequential exchanges of vocalizations (staccatos and neighs) emitted by Northern Muriquis Brachyteles arachnoides hypoxanthus were recorded at the Biological Station of Caratinga, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Staccatos and neighs containing larger proportion of short elements were preferentially produced during short-range exchanges; neighs, produced by a larger number of participants, were typical of long-range exchanges. Staccatos emitted by animals feeding in a dispersed manner contained a larger proportion of tonal elements than those emitted by muriquis feeding in a cohesive manner. Sequential exchanges seem thus to be constituted by two inter-related subsystems of calls that aid muriquis to coordinate intragroup spacing, despite the poor visibility of the habitat. animal communication signal exchange vocal sequences intragroup spacing Muriqui Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:eb2be7ca9651d10cf09163fa84416ef4 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Bioacoustics of human whistled languages: an alternative approach to the cognitive processes of language http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200033 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=406 Meyer Julien Whistled languages are a valuable heritage of human culture. This paper gives a first survey about a new multidisciplinary approach to these languages. Previous studies on whistled equivalents of languages have already documented that they can provide significant information about the role of rhythm and melody in language. To substantiate this, most whistles are represented by modulations of frequency, centered around 2000 Hz (±1000 Hz) and often reach a loudness of about 130 dB (measured at 1m from the source). Their transmission range can reach up to 10 km (as verified in La Gomera, Canary Island), and the messages can remain understandable, even if the signal is deteriorated. In some cultures the use of whistled language is associated with some "talking musical instruments" (e.g. flutes, guitars, harps, gongs, drums, khens). Finally, whistles as a means of conveying information have some analogues in the animal kingdom (e.g. some birds, cetaceans, primates), providing opportunities to compare the acoustic characteristics of the respective signals. With such properties as a reference, the project reported here has two major tasks: to further elucidate the many facets of whistled language and, above all, help to immediately stop the process of its gradual disappearance. human whistled languages whistle communication cognitive processes cultural universals Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:f0d7372ea273d7f05d3f34febc1104a1 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Communication by unvoiced speech: the role of whispering http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200034 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=413 Cirillo Jasmin Most studies on whispering deal with its production and perception, neglecting its communicative role. I have focused on this, especially some social and psychobiological objectives. I have combined a general inquiry into the use of unvoiced speech with stimulus-response experiments on particular signal properties. (1) Analyses of answers to queries revealed that judgments about whispering depend on the social contexts. In the private domain it plays a clearly positive role, but in the public domain it is more problematical. Two causative factors were identified as relevant: (a) an 'ingroup' function of whispering which could induce negative 'outgroup' effects in co-listeners, and (b) a psychobiological component of whispering which could affect the auditory vigilance of co-listeners who were not addressed personally by the signaling, but often wanted to understand a whispered message. (2) Analyses of experimental data confirmed the relevance of these factors. Additionally, they showed that unvoiced speech has a limited transmission range, and is easily masked by background noise. Taken together, the results suggest that whispering is explained best as a close-distance signal adapted for private use among partners. verbal communication whispering unvoiced speech ingroup-signal vigilance Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:9fa0fd16083030c062467d8815aaf38f 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Bits and q-bits as versatility measures http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200035 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=425 Piqueira José R.C. Using Shannon information theory is a common strategy to measure any kind of variability in a signal or phenomenon. Some methods were developed to adapt information entropy measures to bird song data trying to emphasize its versatility aspect. This classical approach, using the concept of bit, produces interesting results. Now, the original idea developed in this paper is to use the quantum information theory and the quantum bit (q-bit) concept in order to provide a more complete vision of the experimental results. bit complexity entropy q-bit measure versatility Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:1ee4e8781389899958f6d633529be8c6 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Species richness and relative abundance of birds in natural and anthropogenic fragments of Brazilian Atlantic forest http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200036 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=429 Anjos Luiz dos Bird communities were studied in two types of fragmented habitat of Atlantic forest in the State of Paraná, southern Brazil; one consisted of forest fragments that were created as a result of human activities (forest remnants), the other consisted of a set of naturally occurring forest fragments (forest patches). Using quantitative data obtained by the point counts method in 3 forest patches and 3 forest remnants during one year, species richness and relative abundance were compared in those habitats, considering species groups according to their general feeding habits. Insectivores, omnivores, and frugivores presented similar general tendencies in both habitats (decrease of species number with decreasing size and increasing isolation of forest fragment). However, these tendencies were different, when considering the relative abundance data: the trunk insectivores presented the highest value in the smallest patch while the lowest relative abundance was in the smallest remnant. In the naturally fragmented landscape, time permitted that the loss of some species of trunk insectivores be compensated for the increase in abundance of other species. In contrast, the remnants essentially represented newly formed islands that are not yet at equilibrium and where future species losses would make them similar to the patches. birds bioacoustics Brazilian Atlantic forest conservation forest fragmentation Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:dd91ad642264abed4e7f3250f72571b1 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Automated bioacoustic identification of species http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200037 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=436 Chesmore David Research into the automated identification of animals by bioacoustics is becoming more widespread mainly due to difficulties in carrying out manual surveys. This paper describes automated recognition of insects (Orthoptera) using time domain signal coding and artificial neural networks. Results of field recordings made in the UK in 2002 are presented which show that it is possible to accurately recognize 4 British Orthoptera species in natural conditions under high levels of interference. Work is under way to increase the number of species recognized. automated identification Orthoptera bioacoustics time domain signal coding biodiversity informatics Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:683adc69267d549b9239fd4eb1db28ec 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Identification of Tibicen cicada species by a Principal Components Analysis of their songs http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200038 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=442 Ohya Eiji Specific identification of three Tibicen cicadas, T. japonicus, T. flammatus and T. bihamatus, by their chirping sounds was carried out using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). High quality recordings of each species were used as the standards. The peak and mean frequencies and the pulse rate were used as the variables. Out of 12 samples recorded in the fields one fell in the vicinity of T. japonicus and all other were positioned near T. bihamatus. Then the cluster analysis of the PCA scores clearly separated each species and allocated the samples in the same way. cicada Tibicen Principal Components Analysis sound identification Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004

oai:doaj-articles:70bde0fdaa42c3df23d3f13b143365d6 2004-07-18T00:00:00Z Biology_and_Life_Sciences

Application of automated bioacoustic identification in environmental education and assessment http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0001-37652004000200039 http://0-www.doaj.org.librus.hccs.edu/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=00013765&date=2004&volume=76&issue=2&spage=446 Oba Teruyo Developments in electronics and computer science have led to the introduction of an automated bioacoustic identification device used to resolve commonly encountered problems in the identification of animal species in the field. This technology aids our auditory observations, and also improves the quality of biological surveys and environmental monitoring. In this paper the future roles and possibilities of bioacoustics are discussed, providing some examples from the realm of environmental education and monitoring that focus on the use of nature sounds. automated species identification bioacoustics environmental education monitoring environment sound map Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2004 :2004-07-15::oai_dc:50