Functional convergence in bat and toothed whale biosonars

Physiology (Bethesda). 2013 Sep;28(5):276-83. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00008.2013.

Abstract

Echolocating bats and toothed whales hunt and navigate by emission of sound pulses and analysis of returning echoes to form a self-generated auditory scene. Here, we demonstrate a striking functional convergence in the way these two groups of mammals independently evolved the capability to sense with sound in air and water.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Air
  • Animals
  • Auditory Perception*
  • Biological Evolution
  • Chiroptera / physiology*
  • Echolocation*
  • Water
  • Whales / physiology*

Substances

  • Water