What is echolocation in mammals?
Quick Answer
Echolocation is a way some mammals locate objects by listening to echoes from sounds they produce. Bats and toothed whales use it to navigate and hunt.
The Full Story
Echolocation works when an animal emits high-frequency sounds and interprets the returning echoes to judge distance, direction, and sometimes size or movement. Among mammals, bats are the best-known echolocators, and many toothed whales such as dolphins and sperm whales use a similar system underwater. It allows them to detect prey and obstacles even in darkness or murky water. The ability evolved independently in bats and toothed whales, making it a striking example of convergent evolution.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"How bats “see” with sound"
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