Investigation of the ability of gray seals to differentiate composite audio signals

Technogenic noise pollution of the seas and oceans has a significant impact on the physiology and behavior of marine mammals. The ability of gray seals to memorize and differentiate complex acoustic signals with similar amplitude-frequency characteristics has been analyzed while studying this impact. The experiment consisted of three stages. At the first stage, the seals were trained to press the pedal only when a certain sound signal was given. At the second stage, the second sound signal was added, in frequency characteristics significantly different from the reinforced signal. At the third stage, the third sound signal was added close in frequency characteristics to the supported one. At each stage, 12 experiments were conducted, the number of stimulus presentations was not limited, the experiment was considered complete when the seal made 20 correct choices. The sound stimuli used were sound recordings of diesel engines at idle. The experiment was conducted in the MMBI aquacomplex located in the Kola Bay (the town of Polyarny)...