PSYCH 1XX3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Basilar Membrane, Eardrum, Dog Whistle
Document Summary
The mechanisms differ among species according to the specific needs: water or air, need to communicate over long distances, receive high or low frequency sounds. One way that hearing abilities differ is through frequencies: dog whistle, produces a high frequency sounds that is beyond the range of a human but dogs within the auditory system of a dog. Humans can perceive anywhere from 20-20,00 hz. Whales, dolphins and dogs have a wider hearing range. Frogs and birds have a narrower hearing range. At the higher extreme are bats and rodents. Audible frequency range is determined in part by the evolution of the structures of the auditory system. Waves are initiated by either a vibrating object or a by forcing air past a small cavity. Alternating bands of more and less condensed air particles that travel away from the source are like the ripples observed in a pond.