Check it out

Vibrational Communication in Animals
Author: Peggy S.M. Hill
Call #: New Books QL 776 H55 2008
Reviewer: Sidney Laramie, SWC Librarian

True or False?

1) Each banner-tailed kangaroo rat develops its own footdrumming pattern which it may change due to the drumming pattern of a “new neighbor.”

2) Many spiders use their webs for not only catching prey but to “…supply information about prey caught in the web, as well as to keep track of young and to send and receive courtship signals…”

3) Some treehoppers use vibrations to communicate to up to 80 siblings that they have found a new source of food.

In the technical but fascinating book, Vibrational Communication in Animals, Hill summarizes research done on vibrational communication in animals. She explains how some animals accomplish this communication, discusses the complexities and frustrations of working in this field, and makes suggestions for future research.