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The auditory sensitivity of the Lemur
Author(s) -
Gillette Richard G.,
Brown Richard,
Herman Paul,
Ver Steven,
Ver Jack
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330380234
Subject(s) - lemur catta , prosimian , lemur , sensitivity (control systems) , audiology , acoustics , psychology , physics , primate , medicine , engineering , neuroscience , electronic engineering
A single‐lever shock avoidance conditioning technique was used to generate auditory behavioral thresholds for Lemur catta over the frequency range 100 Hz to 75 kHz. The results indicate a sensitivity of at least 60 dB below one dyne/cm 2 from 1 kHz to 32 kHz and, throughout the entire frequency range, appear to be compatible with other available prosimian data. A contrast between anthropoids and prosimians indicates a loss in high frequency sensitivity for the former group, but a greater sensitivity for lower frequency stimuli. Analysis of lemur vocalizations indicates a preponderance of relatively low frequency components. Descriptions of the conditioning technique, threshold criteria, and procedures of sound measurement are included.