Communication During Separations in Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Mothers and Infants

宽吻海豚的特点是一个裂变融合的社会，一个复杂的交流系统（例如，声音学习，声音记忆，个体特征，声纳）和长期的母子关系（婴儿喂养3-6年）。海豚的母亲和婴儿似乎在模拟整个裂变融合的社会，从婴儿期开始就频繁地分离和重新结合。交流系统很可能是维持这种联系的主要方式，但目前还没有研究确定个体如何使用声音信号来表明身份、位置或动机状态，以及它们如何在远距离上协调运动。本研究的目的是：(a)通过研究它们在自然行为情境中的使用和在鸣笛回放实验中的反应，确定宽吻海豚签名和非签名哨声的功能（动机、定位、个体识别）；(b)确定宽吻海豚母子如何协调远距离分离和团聚。对海豚交流的研究一直受到限制，因为人类很难定位信号发出者并记录下它们高频呼叫的全频谱。然而，通过定位方法（声学阵列）和高频录音，曼恩博士可以确定是谁在呼叫，检查宽吻海豚“窃听”的使用，并探索它们复杂的通信系统的机制和功能。

Bottlenose dolphins are characterized by a fission-fusion society, an elaborate communication system (e.g., vocal learning, acoustic memory, individual signatures, sonar) and long-term mother-offspring bonds (infants nurse for 3-6 years). Dolphin mothers and infants appear to simulate the fission-fusion society at large by separating and rejoining frequently from the earliest days of infancy. The communication system is likely to be the primary modality for maintenance of such bonds, yet no studies have identified how individuals use acoustic signals to indicate identity, location, or motivational state, and thus how they can coordinate movements over long distances. The aims of this study are (a) to determine the functions (motivation, localization, individual identification) of bottlenose dolphin signature and non-signature whistles by examining their use in natural behavioral contexts and responses during whistle playback experiments; and (b) to determine how bottlenose dolphin mother-infant pairs coordinate separations and reunions over large distances. Studies of dolphin communication have been limited because it is difficult for humans to localize the signaller and record the full spectrum of their high frequency calls. However, with localization methods (an acoustic array) and high-frequency recording, Dr. Mann can determine who is calling, examine the use of "eavesdropping" among bottlenose dolphins, and explore the mechanisms and functions of their complex communication system.