bioacoustics

[ bahy-oh-uh-koo-stiksor, especially British, -uh-kou- ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the science of sounds produced by or affecting living organisms, as for communication or echolocation.

Other Words From

• bio·a·cousti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bioacoustics¹

First recorded in 1955–60; bio- + acoustics

Example Sentences

Researchers in Syracuse University's Bioacoustics and Behavioral Ecology Lab, led by Susan Parks, professor of biology, have been utilizing this technology to study the behavior of humpback whales in the North Atlantic Ocean.

From Science Daily

"The first acoustic recordings of humpback whale song by Roger and Katy Payne in 1970 resonated with humanity profoundly, started the flourishing field of marine bioacoustics, and sparked global interest in marine conservation efforts." says Coen Elemans.

From Science Daily

But three strandings close to his lab enabled lead author Coen Elemans, professor of bioacoustics at the University of Southern Denmark, to collect fresh vocal tracts from a recently deceased humpback, minke, and sei whale.

From National Geographic

According to a 2021 study published by Ahana Aurora Fernandez, a Postdoctoral Researcher in Behavioral Ecology and Bioacoustics at the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, bat pups engage in a form of babbling similar to that used by infant humans.

From Salon

This principle of considering the relationship between singing effort to sound output has been missing in previous animal acoustic research, say the researchers, so some basic bioacoustics theories may need to change.

From Science Daily