20th Annual Student Research Conference
Interdisciplinary
Descriptive Statistics of Echolocation Calls from Northeast Missouri Bats
Phillip D. Vance* and Joshua B. Kelly
Dr. Scott Burt and Dr. Jason E. Miller, Faculty Mentors
Most bats emit ultrasonic sounds to orient themselves, hunt, and for communication in a fascinating and complex process called echolocation. It is believed that echolocation calls may be species specific, but such differentiation between species can be difficult. Our primary objective is to be able to identify species of bats from their search phase echolocation calls. From 84 net nights spanning the summers of 2005 and 2006, we have obtained calls from 182 bats representing 8 species across northeast Missouri. From these data we were able to compile descriptive statistics which define the structure and frequency range of calls emitted by a species. Specifically, I will present on the call parameters including maximum, minimum, and mean frequencies, frequency of the knee, duration, and slope. These descriptive statistics will aide our ability to discriminate calls from different bat species.
Keywords: bat, echolocation, anabat, statistics
Topic(s):Mathematical Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 39-3
Location: VH 1432
Time: 2:00 pm