Mantis Shrimp: Ocean Floor Critters Communicate in Synchronized Rumbles

RESOURCE:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124500.htm

Scientists have conducted many studies on how animals communicate. We've learned that some species use body gestures while others make loud noises, but we don't know how animals on the ocean floor communicate or how they use it. Six scientists, two who happen to be students from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science set out to find the answer to this question. Erica Staaterman and Austin Gallagher traveled to the coast of Catalina Island, California to study the California mantis shrimp. The team knew that the creatures living at the bottom of the ocean made a type of noise, but they didn't have enough information to completely understand the life and communication on the ocean floor. The team used many tools to conduct their study from a coupled audio-video system, a hydrophone array, and even an autonomous recording unit. Their study found that the mantis shrimp indeed made noises and that each one seemed to have their own type of voice. They also discovered that the males made a rumbling noise in groups of three to perhaps attract females or to defend their territories from other males. This study will help other fellow scientists to better understand the life at the bottom of the sea. Language barriers cause a lot of trouble in the world. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the the whole world spoke one language so it would be easier to communicate? Maybe one day the human race will evolve to just that.