A role for ultrasonic vocalisation in social communication and divergence of natural populations of the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus).

ABSTRACT: It has long been known that rodents emit signals in the ultrasonic range, but their role in social communication and mating is still under active exploration. While inbred strains of house mice have emerged as a favourite model to study ultrasonic vocalisation (USV) patterns, studies in wild animals and natural situations are still rare. We focus here on two wild derived mouse populations. We recorded them in dyadic encounters for extended periods of time to assess possible roles of USVs and their divergence between allopatric populations. We have analysed song frequency and duration, as well as spectral features of songs and syllables. We show that the populations have indeed diverged in several of these aspects and that USV patterns emitted in a mating context differ from those emitted i

SUBMITTER: von Merten S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4016290 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature