Validated 3D finite-element model of the Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) head anatomy demonstrates gular sound reception and channelling through the mandibular fats
Journal
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
Journal Volume
19
Journal Issue
5
Start Page
056025
ISSN
1748-3182
1748-3190
Date Issued
2024-09-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Like other odontocetes, Risso’s dolphins actively emit clicks and passively listen to the echoes during echolocation. However, the head anatomy of Risso’s dolphins differs from that of other odontocetes by a unique vertical cleft along the anterior surface of the forehead and a differently-shaped lower jaw. In this study, 3D finite-element sound reception and production models were constructed based on computed tomography (CT) data of a deceased Risso’s dolphin. Our results were verified by finding good agreement with experimental measurements of hearing sensitivity. Moreover, the acoustic pathway for sounds to travel from the seawater into the dolphin’s tympanoperiotic complexes (TPCs) was computed. The gular reception mechanism, previously discovered in Delphinus delphis and Ziphius cavirostris, was also found in this species. The received sound pressure levels and relative displacement at TPC surfaces were compared between the cases with and without the mandibular fats or mandible. The results demonstrate a pronounced wave-guiding role of the mandibular fats and a limited bone-conductor role of the mandible. For sound production modelling, we digitally filled the cleft with neighbouring soft tissues, creating a hypothetical ‘cleftless’ head. Comparison between sound travelling through a ‘cleftless’ head vs. an original head indicates that the distinctive cleft plays a limited role in biosonar sound propagation.
Subjects
CT scan
finite element model
Risso’s dolphin
sound production
sound propagation
sound reception
SDGs
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Type
journal article