Echoortung

Echoortung, or echolocation, is a biological sonar by which certain animals emit calls and interpret the returning echoes to determine the position, distance, size, shape, texture, and movement of objects in the environment. It is an active sensing method, meaning the animal sends out signals and listens for their reflections rather than relying solely on ambient sounds.

The mechanism involves producing acoustic pulses and analyzing the time delay, amplitude, and spectral content of the echoes. The time between emission and echo informs distance, while changes in the echoes provide information about speed and surface characteristics. Many bats emit ultrasonic sounds above the range of human hearing, typically in the tens to hundreds of kilohertz, and process the returning echoes to navigate and locate prey. Odontocete whales, such as dolphins and porpoises, emit short, broadband clicks in the ultrasonic range and interpret the returning echoes using specialized auditory structures.

The most well-known echolocators are microchiropteran bats and toothed whales. Other mammals and some birds show related sonar abilities, but echolocation is most advanced and widespread among these groups. The neural processing of echoes allows the animal to form a real-time spatial representation of its surroundings, even in complete darkness or turbid water.

In technology, the concept of echolocation has inspired sonar systems used in submarines, ships, and underwater exploration, as well as medical ultrasound imaging and non-destructive testing. Echolocation remains a key example of how biological systems adapt sensory perception to challenging environments.

See also: echolocation, biosonar, sonar, ultrasound.