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FALL 2013
O
ver the past few millennia, humans
have spent countless hours listening to
rhythmic and melodic compositions;
but there is music in nature, too. The
natural din that emanates from a pristine
environment can be — like man-made music — discordant,
soothing or rousing. Environmental soundscapes may go
unnoticed, but they can reveal purpose and meaning if
listened to carefully.
The sporadic calling of birds, the snapping of shrimp or
the whine of cicadas is not just meaningless background
noise. Research conducted in the past 50 years indicates
that the racket made by animal populations has evolved
to facilitate communication, navigation, reproduction and
hunting. Evidence acquired within the past two decades
points to sound being essential to the survival of many
organisms — particularly those that dwell underwater.
Sound is basically an energetic pressure gradient that
sets in motion molecules of the conducting medium. The
pressure gradient pushes together surrounding molecules
and then allows them to settle back into their original
positions as the gradient (noise) moves past. Water is much
LIFE AQUATIC
The Symphony of
