We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Musser, W.B., A.E. Bowles, D.M. Grebner, and J.L. Crance. 2014. Differences in acoustic features of vocalizations produced by killer whales cross-socialized with bottlenose dolphins. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 137(4): 1990-2002. http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/136/4/10.1121/1.4893906 Abstract: Limited previous evidence suggests that killer whales (Orcinus orca) are capable of vocal production learning. However, vocal contextual learning has not been studied, nor the factors promoting learning. Vocalizations were collected from three killer whales with a history of exposure to bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and compared with data from seven killer whales held with conspecifics and nine bottlenose dolphins. The three whales' repertoires were distinguishable by a higher proportion of click trains and whistles. Time-domain features of click trains were intermediate between those of whales held with conspecifics and dolphins. These differences provided evidence for contextual learning. One killer whale spontaneously learned to produce artificial chirps taught to dolphins; acoustic features fell within the range of inter-individual differences among the dolphins. This whale also produced whistles similar to a stereotyped whistle produced by one dolphin. Thus, results provide further support for vocal production learning and show that killer whales are capable of contextual learning. That killer whales produce similar repertoires when associated with another species suggests substantial vocal plasticity and motivation for vocal conformity with social associates. Ann E. Bowles, PhD Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute <mailto:abowles@hswri.org>abowles@hswri.org 50th_Logo.PNG Ann E. Bowles, PhD | Program Leader, Bioacoustics Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute 2595 Ingraham Street | San Diego | CA 92109 Phone: (619) 226-3870 | Fax: (619) 226-3944 <mailto:abowles@hswri.org>abowles@hswri.org | www.hswri.org The information transmitted (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, is intended only for the person(s) or entity/entities to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient(s) is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.