Definition of the Acoustical Structure of Echolocation Pulse Trains of an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin in Captivity.

摘要

Echolocation capabilities of an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, were observed in a target detection experiment. Pulse trains occurring during the echolocation sequence were then analyzed in an effort to determine the animal's average frequency range, choice of center frequency, bandwidth, pulse repetition rate, pulse duration, amplitude, and signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR). The animal was trained to detect a polypropylene ring measuring 14.34 centimeters in diameter. Target ranges of 11.582 meters and 15.85 meters were used. Signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) was determined as a function of pool ambient noise and reverberation characteristics at each target range. The animal was observed to be consistent in its performance at the correct response threshold of 75 percent.