Chapter 6.1: Audition

Question 1

When ancient fish evolved into land animals, why did they need to evolve the elaborate mechanisms of the middle ear and inner ear?

Answer 1

To amplify sounds

Question 2

Where are the auditory receptors, known as hair cells?

Answer 2

Along the basilar membrane of the cochlea

Question 3

How do we identify a low-pitched sound?

Answer 3

The whole basilar membrane vibrates in synchrony with the sound frequency

Question 4

How do we identify a high-pitched sound?

Answer 4

Each frequency produces a peak response at one point along the basilar membrane

Question 5

What is one way in which the auditory cortex is not analogous to the visual cortex?

Answer 5

Damage to the primary auditory cortex does not cause deafness

Question 6

What is meant by a “tonotopic map”?

Answer 6

Each location in the auditory cortex responds to a preferred tone

Question 7

What type of sound do we localize by comparing the time of arrival at the two ears?

Answer 7

Sudden sounds

Question 8

Absolute pitch is more common among what type of people

Answer 8

People with extensive musical training beginning in early childhood

Question 9

Why do many older people have trouble understanding speech despite using hearing aids?

Answer 9

Lack of inhibitory transmission in the auditory cortex