Infrasound in elephants refers to low-frequency sounds that they produce and can hear, but which fall below the range of human hearing. These sounds are typically between 1 and 20 Hertz (Hz), much lower than the lowest audible sound for humans, which is around 20 Hz.
Here's the scoop on elephant infrasound:
- Communication superpower: Elephants use infrasound to communicate with each other over long distances, up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) or even farther!
- Secret messages: This allows them to share information like location, danger warnings, or even maintain contact between a mother and her calf.
- How they do it: Scientists believe infrasound is produced by the vibration of the elephants' vocal folds in their larynx, similar to how we make sounds, but at much lower frequencies.
- A hidden world: Because infrasound is inaudible to us, it's like a secret conversation happening right under our noses!
- Not alone: Elephants aren't the only animals that use infrasound. Whales, rhinos, and even some insects can produce and hear these low-frequency sounds.
