The proposed research entails the behavioral analysis of the variation in sound-localization ability among mammals. The primary goal of this research consists of the determination of the selective pressures involved in the evolution of hearing and sound localization. In the course of the study we also hope to identify a species lacking the ability to use the binaural intensity difference cue to localize sound and which would be more convenient for studying the neuroanatomy and electrophysiology underlying this peculiar lack of ability. Finally, a survey of the variation in the central auditory system among Artiodactyls and Perissodactyls will be continued. The short-range goals concern the behavioral assessment of hearing and sound localization ability (both free field and using headphones) in five species of mammals: weasels, badgers, goats, sheep, and pigs. Each species has been carefully selected based on ecological, phyletic, and anatomical factors known or suspected to influence the ability to localize sound. Through such a comparative analysis of mammalian sound localization, it is hoped to gain information concerning the factors influencing the evloution of hearing and sound-localization in man.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS017850-05
Application #
3397882
Study Section
Hearing Research Study Section (HAR)
Project Start
1982-02-01
Project End
1987-08-01
Budget Start
1986-09-01
Budget End
1987-08-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Kansas Lawrence
Department
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
072933393
City
Lawrence
State
KS
Country
United States
Zip Code
66045
Heffner, R S; Heffner, H E (1991) Behavioral hearing range of the chinchilla. Hear Res 52:13-6
Hood, L J; Berlin, C I; Heffner, R S et al. (1991) Objective auditory threshold estimation using sine-wave derived responses. Hear Res 55:109-16
Heffner, R S; Heffner, H E (1990) Vestigial hearing in a fossorial mammal, the pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius). Hear Res 46:239-52
Heffner, R S; Heffner, H E (1989) Sound localization, use of binaural cues and the superior olivary complex in pigs. Brain Behav Evol 33:248-58
Heffner, R S; Heffner, H E (1988) Sound localization and use of binaural cues by the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Behav Neurosci 102:422-8
Heffner, R S; Heffner, H E (1988) Sound localization in a predatory rodent, the northern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys leucogaster). J Comp Psychol 102:66-71
Heffner, R S; Heffner, H E (1988) Sound localization acuity in the cat: effect of azimuth, signal duration, and test procedure. Hear Res 36:221-32
Heffner, R S; Heffner, H E (1987) Localization of noise, use of binaural cues, and a description of the superior olivary complex in the smallest carnivore, the least weasel (Mustela nivalis). Behav Neurosci 101:701-8, 744-5
Heffner, R S; Heffner, H E (1986) Localization of tones by horses: use of binaural cues and the role of the superior olivary complex. Behav Neurosci 100:93-103
Heffner, H E; Heffner, R S (1985) Hearing in two cricetid rodents: wood rat (Neotoma floridana) and grasshopper mouse (Onychomys leucogaster). J Comp Psychol 99:275-88

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