Benjamin Charlton

My main line of research focuses on identifying which acoustic parameters of mammal vocal signals can provide listeners with direct information on physical and motivational attributes of the callers. I then use re-synthesis techniques and playback experiments to determine the perceptual and functional relevance of specific acoustic characteristics of mammal vocalisations. I am especially interested in the functions and adaptive value of vocal signals given in reproductive contexts, and have conducted several successful sets of analyses and playback experiments on deer, domestic cats and giant pandas. I am currently researching koala vocal communication and investigating whether women’s musical preferences vary across their reproductive cycle.