Data from: Beyond the limits: identifying the high-frequency detectors in the anuran ear

Despite the predominance of low-frequency hearing in anuran amphibians, a
few frog species have evolved high-frequency communication within certain
environmental contexts. Huia cavitympanum is the most remarkable anuran
with regard to upper frequency limits; it is the first frog species known
to emit exclusively ultrasonic signals. Characteristics of the Distortion
Product Otoacoustic Emissions from the amphibian papilla and the basilar
papilla were analysed to gain insight into the structures responsible for
high-frequency/ultrasound sensitivity. Our results confirm the matching of
vocalization spectra and inner ear tuning in this species. Compared to
most anurans, H. cavitympanum has a hyperextended hearing range spanning
from audible to ultrasonic frequencies, far above the previously
established “spectral limits” for the amphibian ear. The exceptional
high-frequency sensitivity in the inner ear of H. cavitympanum illustrates
the remarkable plasticity of the auditory system and the extent to which
evolution can modify a sensory system to adapt it to its environment.