COSEE Ocean Systems: News
Oysters can 'hear' the ocean even though they don't have ears
Description: Researchers placed Pacific oysters in tanks and exposed them to a range of sounds of varying frequencies. The results show that in shallow waters, oysters must be able to hear breaking waves and water currents. The oysters might hear the arrival of tidal water, which carries food, and then open up ready for the tide's arrival. They don't hear as we would, but instead probably perceive the vibrations using an organ that registers movement and vibration: the statocyst.The oysters were most sensitive to low frequencies between 10 and 200 hertz. These are typically produced by shipping, exploration with explosives, seismic surveys, pile-driving and wind turbines. All these noises can muddle the normal oyster sound landscape. [Source: New Scientist]
URL: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2151281-oysters-can-hear-the-ocean-even-though-they-dont-have-ears/
Availability: Full Text
Source: New Scientist
Publish Date: 10/25/2017
Reading Level: Basic
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