Journal article
Predicting Achievable Fundamental Frequency Ranges in Vocalization Across Species
PLoS computational biology, Vol.12(6), pp.e1004907-e1004907
06/01/2016
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004907
PMCID: PMC4911068
PMID: 27309543
Abstract
Vocal folds are used as sound sources in various species, but it is unknown how vocal fold morphologies are optimized for different acoustic objectives. Here we identify two main variables affecting range of vocal fold vibration frequency, namely vocal fold elongation and tissue fiber stress. A simple vibrating string model is used to predict fundamental frequency ranges across species of different vocal fold sizes. While average fundamental frequency is predominantly determined by vocal fold length (larynx size), range of fundamental frequency is facilitated by (1) laryngeal muscles that control elongation and by (2) nonlinearity in tissue fiber tension. One adaptation that would increase fundamental frequency range is greater freedom in joint rotation or gliding of two cartilages (thyroid and cricoid), so that vocal fold length change is maximized. Alternatively, tissue layers can develop to bear a disproportionate fiber tension (i.e., a ligament with high density collagen fibers), increasing the fundamental frequency range and thereby vocal versatility. The range of fundamental frequency across species is thus not simply one-dimensional, but can be conceptualized as the dependent variable in a multi-dimensional morphospace. In humans, this could allow for variations that could be clinically important for voice therapy and vocal fold repair. Alternative solutions could also have importance in vocal training for singing and other highly-skilled vocalizations.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Predicting Achievable Fundamental Frequency Ranges in Vocalization Across Species
- Creators
- Ingo Titze - University of UtahTobias Riede - University of UtahTed Mau - The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- PLoS computational biology, Vol.12(6), pp.e1004907-e1004907
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004907
- PMID
- 27309543
- PMCID
- PMC4911068
- NLM abbreviation
- PLoS Comput Biol
- ISSN
- 1553-734X
- eISSN
- 1553-7358
- Publisher
- Public Library Science
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
- R01DC013573 / NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) R01 DC013573-01 / National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/01/2016
- Academic Unit
- School of Music; Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Record Identifier
- 9984719572402771
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