Page 68 - World of Animals - Issue #28 Magazine

Amazing animal hearing

The dolphin uses

echolocation to

find its prey

The friendly-looking dolphin is known for its
intelligence and approachability. It has long
fascinated researchers because of its social
behaviour, and its large, highly developed
brain. Its auditory cortex, in particular, is
highly complex and allows for a hearing range
between 30,000 and 160,000 hertz. Dolphins
are also quick at processing sounds, and
use a technique called echolocation, which
works like a biological sonar. Dolphins emit
high-pitched noises and interpret the echoes
bouncing off nearby objects to understand
their environment. They use this skill to locate
and identify nearby prey, even detecting
creatures buried in sand. Dolphins also have
intricate communication techniques, and can
produce and discern a wide range of noises
and vocalisations.

Dogs are always aware

of their environment

Dogs aren’t just good at hearing the words ‘walkies’ and ‘treats’
– they have an incredible hearing range of 60 to 45,000
hertz compared to our 20 to 20,000 hertz. This is why
dog whistles produce an ultrasonic sound that’s not
detectable to humans as it’s too high, exceeding our
maximum of 20,000 hertz. It’s not just the range of
sounds that sets dogs’ hearing apart; they can hear
things from a maximum distance that beats ours by four
times. This is why Fido is already at the door when you
get home while your partner is still oblivious of your return –
he could hear your car coming a block away.
In addition, dogs can move their ears to better localise a
sound, thanks to the fact that they have 18 muscles in the part of

their ears called the pinna, or ear flap. You may have seen Fido flex
these muscles when he’s trying to decide whether he’s going to
listen to your command, or keep rolling around in the mud.
“Dogs can move their ears to
better localise a sound, thanks

to 18 muscles in each ear flap”

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