echolocation

[ ek-oh-loh-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the general method of locating objects by determining the time for an echo to return and the direction from which it returns, as by radar or sonar.
2. Zoology. the sonarlike system used by dolphins, bats, and other animals to detect and locate objects by emitting usually high-pitched sounds that reflect off the object and return to the animal's ears or other sensory receptors.

echolocation

/ ˌɛkəʊləʊˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. determination of the position of an object by measuring the time taken for an echo to return from it and its direction

echolocation

/ ĕk′ō-lō-kā′shən /

1. Sonar, especially of animals, such as bats and toothed whales.
2. See more at sonar

Word History and Origins

Origin of echolocation¹

First recorded in 1940–45; echo + location

Example Sentences

This is simply when nature finds similar solutions to similar problems in evolutionarily distant groups — think about how dolphins and bats each evolved echolocation, despite being unrelated.

From Salon

Basically, where head position and forward eyes is thought to be important for the development of gaze following, in dolphins which use echolocation to recognize objects, it may have evolved in a different way.

From Salon

Dolphins and bats both utilizing echolocation or birds and bugs both having wings are other examples of convergent evolution.

From Salon

Bats, as the main predator of night-flying insects, create a selective pressure that has led many of their prey to evolve an early warning system of sorts: ears uniquely tuned to high-frequency bat echolocation.

From Science Daily

The clicks are also used as a form of echolocation to help them track their prey.

From Seattle Times