Papers by Philip Stoddard
The Auk, 1999
DONALD E. KROODSMA,"11 BRUCE E. BYERS,1 SYLVIA L. HALKIN,2 CHRISTOPHER HILL,3 DOLLY MINIS,4 ... more DONALD E. KROODSMA,"11 BRUCE E. BYERS,1 SYLVIA L. HALKIN,2 CHRISTOPHER HILL,3 DOLLY MINIS,4 JEFFREY R. BOLSINGER,1 JO-ANNE DAWSON,1 ELIZABETH DONELAN,1 JEFFREY FARRINGTON,1 FRANK B. GILL,5 PETER HOULIHAN,1 DOUG ...
Journal of Physiology Paris, Sep 1, 2002
This study explores the evolutionary origins of waveform complexity in electric organ discharges ... more This study explores the evolutionary origins of waveform complexity in electric organ discharges (EODs) of weakly electric fish. I attempt to answer the basic question of what selective forces led to the transition from the simplest signal to the second simplest signal in the gymnotiform electric fishes. The simplest electric signal is a monophasic pulse and the second simplest is a biphasic pulse. I consider five adaptive hypotheses for the evolutionary transition from a monophasic to a biphasic EOD: (i) electrolocation, (ii) sexual selection, (iii) species isolation, (iv) territory defense, (v) crypsis from electroreceptive predators. Evaluating these hypotheses with data drawn largely from the literature, I find best support for predation. Predation is typically viewed as a restraining force on evolution of communication signals, but among the electric fishes, predation appears to have served as a creative catalyst. In suppressing spectral energy in the sensitivity range of predators (a spectral simplification), the EOD waveforms have become more complex in their time domain structure. Complexity in the time domain is readily discernable by the high frequency electroreceptor systems of gymnotiform and mormyrid electric fish. The addition of phases to the EOD can cloak the EOD from predators, but also provides a substrate for subsequent modification by sexual selection. But, while juveniles and females remain protected from predators, breeding males modify their EODs in ways that enhance their conspicuousness to predators.
Hormones and Behavior, 2008
Bioacoustics, 1990
ABSTRACT
Exploring Animal Behavior in Laboratory and Field, 2003
Animal Acoustic Communication, 1998
The Condor, 1988
... In others, however, females sing songs that are either nearly as well-developed as males (eg,... more ... In others, however, females sing songs that are either nearly as well-developed as males (eg, Black-headed Grosbeak, Richison 1983) or equally well-de ... We were supported by grants from NSERC of Canada to Jamie Smith, NSF of the US to Mike Beecher (BNS 84-08053), the ...
Advances in the Study of Behavior, 2002
The Auk
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Experimental biology
We have used field and laboratory studies to investigate acoustic adaptations for parent-offsprin... more We have used field and laboratory studies to investigate acoustic adaptations for parent-offspring recognition in two closely related pairs of swallows: (a) bank swallow (Riparia riparia) and northern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), and (b) cliff swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota) and barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). Cross-fostering and playback experiments show that bank swallow and cliff swallow parents recognize their offspring by voice while rough-winged swallow and barn swallow parents do not. We argue that this species difference is due to an evolutionary history of strong selection for recognition in bank swallows and cliff swallows, which live in large, dense colonies, and of weak or no selection for recognition in rough-winged swallows and barn swallows, which live solitarily or in small groups. We consider two possible acoustic adaptations which may underlie the observed species difference. First, the "signature" calls of cliff swallow and bank swallow chicks appear to be more individually distinctive than the homologous calls of rough-winged swallows and barn swallows. This conclusion is supported by a sonographic analysis of among- and within-individual call variation: The information content of bank swallow and cliff swallow calls is considerably greater than that of rough-winged swallow or barn swallow calls. We also discuss our more recent work on the hypothesis that the colonial swallow species are better able to discriminate these sorts of auditory stimuli. We conclude with the caution that auditory specializations may be unnecessary given the signature call adaptation and the general capabilities of the avian ear.
Electric sense (i.e. the ability to detect low-voltage electrical impulses from other individuals... more Electric sense (i.e. the ability to detect low-voltage electrical impulses from other individuals) is found in most primitive fish orders, a few derived teleost fish, some aquatic amphibians, the platypus and the echidna. Electric signals (i.e. self-generated electrical signals used for communication) are best understood in the weakly electric fish. Weakly electric fish include three freshwater teleost groups that produce dual-purpose electric signals to locate objects and communicate in the dark. Their electric organ discharges (EODs) are distinctive to species, and often to age, sex, and condition. EODs are non-propagating electrostatic fields, detectable only a few body lengths from the signaler. Electroreceptive predators may eavesdrop, and many weakly electric fish have signal adaptations that make their signals cryptic to predators. EODs are triggered by nerve impulses but their waveform shapes are regulated by steroid and peptide hormones. The electric eel is a specialized electric fish that produces a low voltage EOD for electrolocation and communication and also a high voltage discharge to stun prey and defend itself.
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Journal of Experimental Biology
Two orders of teleost fish, the Gymnotiformes from South America and the Mormyroidei in Africa, h... more Two orders of teleost fish, the Gymnotiformes from South America and the Mormyroidei in Africa, have independently evolved capabilities to generate and sense electric fields, called electrogenesis and electroreception (for reviews, see . Electric discharges (EODs) generated by a specialized electric organ (EO) within the body cause electric current to flow in the surrounding water. Nearby objects with a different electrical impedance from that of water alter the current flowing through sensory electroreceptor organs in the fish's skin. Electric fish can locate and identify, or electrolocate, nearby objects, on the basis of the spatial and temporal patterns of transdermal potential perturbations called electric images.
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Papers by Philip Stoddard