Summary
An experimental paradigm is introduced to determine minimal interaural intensity and time differences used as cues for the lateralization behaviour of the male grasshopper,Chorthippus biguttulus. By presenting synthetic female sound via two miniature, bilaterally arranged speakers a quasi-dichotic stimulus situation could be achieved under predictable error estimations (Fig. 1).
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(1)
The resolution of the grasshopper's auditory system for interaural intensity differences is about 1–2 dB (Figs. 3, 4). At intensity differences above 1.6 dB turns towards the ‘leading side’ are performed without any error, the 75% (resp. 25%) threshold of correct choice is achieved at 0.6 dB. The response characteristics also document the high degree of conformity between the animals and the degree of individual auditory handedness which was found to be maximally 1 dB.
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(2)
The resolution for interaural time differences (at equal sound intensities on both sides) is of the order of 1.0 ms (Fig. 5). The 75% (resp. 25%) threshold of correct choice is achieved at 0.4 ms.
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Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Drs. h.c. Hansjochem Autrum on the occasion of his 80th birthday
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von Helversen, D., Rheinlaender, J. Interaural intensity and time discrimination in an unrestraint grasshopper: a tentative behavioural approach. J. Comp. Physiol. 162, 333–340 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00606121
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00606121