Female choice scores and Peak Frequency and Duration in calls from Wood frog chorus recordings

A limitation in bioacoustic studies has been the inability to
differentiate individual sonic contributions from group-level dynamics. We
present a novel application of acoustic-camera technology to investigate
how individual wood frogs calls influence chorus properties, and how
variation influences mating opportunities. We recorded mating calls and
used playback trials to gauge preference for different chorus types in the
laboratory. Males and females preferred chorus playbacks with low variance
in dominant frequency. Females preferred choruses with low mean peak
frequency. Field studies revealed more egg masses laid in ponds where
males chorused with low variance in dominant frequency. We also noted a
trend towards more egg masses laid in ponds where males called with low
mean frequency. Nearest neighbor distances influenced call timing
(neighbors called in succession) and distances increased with variance in
chorus frequency. Results highlight the potential fitness implications of
individual-level contributions to a bioacoustic signal produced by groups.