Acoustic analysis of the distress vocalisation of the neonate lamb

Abstract

The neonate distress cry demonstrates a similar acoustic structure across a range of mammalian species and is highly effective in attracting and compelling parental care. Evidence of the same neural circuitry across mammalian and bird species, and alignment of critical periods of vocal behaviour, has been used to support the evolutionary theory that the infant cry pathway has remained unchanged or converged toward a similar configuration to ensure reproductive success within a range of environments and social situations (Lingle et al, 2012).