AN EXPERIMENTAL DEMONSTRATION OF ECHOLOCATION BEHAVIOR IN THE PORPOISE, TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS (MONTAGU)

Abstract

A porpoise was trained to accept a blindfold consisting of two latex suctions cups which adhered over the animal''s eyes. These cups could be put in place upon a specific cue and removed following another cue. The animal was taught to locate small targets, swim through mazes and to discriminate between objects of various sorts while blindfolded. These bits of behavior were accomplished by the animal with great ease. Evidence is provided which tends to show that the animal emits a cone or beam of sound from the region of her forehead, which is used in echo-location behavior.