| Title: | From uni- to multimodality: towards an integrative view on anuran communication |
| Author(s): | Starnberger I; Preininger D; Hodl W; |
| Address: | "Department of Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria, iris.starnberger@univie.ac.at" |
| Journal Title: | J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s00359-014-0923-1 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1432-1351 (Electronic) 0340-7594 (Print) 0340-7594 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Undeniably, acoustic signals are the predominant mode of communication in frogs and toads. Acoustically active species are found throughout the vast diversity of anuran families. However, additional or alternative signal modalities have gained increasing attention. In several anurans, seismic, visual and chemical communications have convergently evolved due to ecological constraints such as noisy environments. The production of a visual cue, like the inevitably moving vocal sac of acoustically advertising males, is emphasized by conspicuously coloured throats. Limb movements accompanied by dynamic displays of bright colours are additional examples of striking visual signals independent of vocalizations. In some multimodal anuran communication systems, the acoustic component acts as an alert signal, which alters the receiver attention to the following visual display. Recent findings of colourful glands on vocal sacs, producing volatile species-specific scent bouquets suggest the possibility of integration of acoustic, visual and chemical cues in species recognition and mate choice. The combination of signal components facilitates a broadened display repertoire in challenging environmental conditions. Thus, the complexity of the communication systems of frogs and toads may have been underestimated" |
| Keywords: | "*Animal Communication Animals Anura/anatomy & histology/*physiology Cues Female Male Motor Activity/physiology Pheromones/metabolism Vocalization, Animal/*physiology;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineStarnberger, Iris Preininger, Doris Hodl, Walter eng P 25612/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review Germany 2014/06/30 J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol. 2014 Sep; 200(9):777-87. doi: 10.1007/s00359-014-0923-1. Epub 2014 Jun 29" |
