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，一个复杂的通信系统（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从婴儿期开始就经常分离和重新结合，从而模拟了整个裂变-融合社会。 通信系统可能是维持这种联系的主要方式，但没有研究确定个人如何使用声学信号来表明身份，位置或动机状态，以及他们如何协调长距离的运动。 本研究的目的是：（a）确定的功能（动机，本地化，个人识别）的海豚签名和非签名哨声，通过检查他们在自然行为的背景下使用和响应过程中的哨声播放实验;和（B），以确定海豚母子对协调分离和团聚在很大的距离。 对海豚交流的研究一直很有限，因为人类很难定位信号器并记录它们高频叫声的全部频谱。 然而，通过定位方法（声学阵列）和高频记录，曼博士可以确定谁在呼叫，检查海豚之间的“窃听”使用，并探索其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.