Dr. Matthew Mason: Further Information...
University Physiologist Tel: +44 (0)1223 333829, Fax: +44 (0)1223 333840, E-mail: mjm68@cam.ac.uk
Mason, M.J. & Narins, P.M. (2001) Seismic signal use by fossorial mammals. American Zoologist 41: 1171-1184.
Given that vision is obviously of limited use in subterranean tunnels, fossorial (burrowing) mammals might be expected to utilize other sensory modalities. Low-frequency seismic cues propagate well underground, and it has been suggested that members of several groups of subterranean mammals use such cues for intraspecific communication or prey detection. In this paper, we review the recent work in this expanding field of sensory biology. We discuss anatomical adaptations subserving, or potentially subserving, seismic sensitivity, and the relative merits of using the auditory rather than the somatosensory system for this purpose. We consider reports of apparent seismic signal use from the behavioural literature, and propose evolutionary scenarios for the evolution of vibratory sensitivity among different groups of fossorial mammals.
Mason & Narins (2009) contains updated information and further insight on some of the same topics as are considered in this paper.
To access this paper via the Integrative & Comparative Biology website, please click here.
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