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Tarsiers communicate on ultrasound

09.02.2012

The tarsier can scream, but you won't even know it, as this diminutive animal is the only primate known to date to communicate via ultrasound.

Researchers at Humboldt State University, California were puzzled by the fact that Philippine tarsiers (Tarsius syrichta) do not make the slightest sound when they open their mouths as if to scream. Observation of 35 wild animals placed in front of an ultrasound detector showed that the opening of the mouth, which looks like a yawn from the side, is actually a shrill cry, the registration of which is beyond the capabilities of the human ear.

It is known that some primates are able to produce and record sounds, which include ultrasonic components. However, until now it was believed that none of them could communicate using pure ultrasound. The predominant call frequency of the Philippine tarsier is 70 kilohertz and is one of the highest frequencies ever recorded in the "speech" of land mammals. Tarsiers distinguish sounds up to 91 kHz, which is far beyond the capabilities of human hearing, the upper limit of which corresponds to approximately 20 kHz As far as experts know, only whales, dolphins, domestic cats, as well as bats and some rodents can compete with tarsiers among mammals.

The ability to emit and receive ultrasound allows tarsiers to warn relatives of approaching predators such as lizards, snakes and birds that are unable to register such frequencies. "Eavesdropping" on insects can also make it easier for them to find food.
Experts note that some other representatives of primates are also seen behind the silent opening of the mouth. Therefore, further study of the issue may well deprive the tarsiers of their uniqueness.

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