PubHawk
PLoS Biol February 2019 PMID 30730882

The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory.

Tobias Riede, Scott L Thomson, Ingo R Titze, Franz Goller

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Mentions

35
Peak: 15 in Feb 2019
across 4 sources since Feb 2019

Extended reach

719,888
potential audience

Total likes

13,567

Video views

301,602

Mentions per month

Feb 2019 – May 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter22 posts
  • News8 articles
  • Blogs3 articles
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect strong interest in avian vocal evolution, with posts analyzing the significance of vocal efficiency and anatomy, such as mentions of the syrinx's evolution being driven by selective pressures. The tone varies from scientific to conversational, emphasizing both curiosity and understanding of the research's implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the study's focus on vocal efficiency and correct the assumption about vocal effects based on tracheal length, showing moderate support.

InterestHigh interest

The topic sparks high curiosity about bird vocalization and evolution, evident from frequent mentions of the study and its implications.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments include references to the research methods and broader evolutionary implications, indicating active participation.

ImpactModerate impact

With discussions highlighting the significance of vocal efficiency in bird evolution and comparing anatomical features, the conversation suggests moderate impact on understanding avian biology.

Abstract in brief

  • The syrinx, a unique vocal organ in birds located at the end of the trachea, is the sole source of sound production for avian species, unlike the larynx present in other animals.
  • Researchers tested the idea that the syrinx provides a biomechanical advantage for sound production by examining how its position affects vocal characteristics like frequency and efficiency.
  • Findings indicate that the syrinx enhances sound efficiency, with results suggesting that selective advantages for high vocal efficiency influenced its evolution, especially in birds with longer tracheas that optimize sound production.
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
@TomHoltzPaleo · X

#PLOSBiology: The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory https://t.co/CBgJlxwb7p

Feb 7, 2019 · 10 likes · 3 shares · 32,079 followers View post →
PLOS Biology
@PLOSBiology · X

Larynx vs syrinx. Many tetrapods use the larynx as a vocal organ; birds, however, evolved the syrinx at the other end of the trachea. Combo of modelling & experiment suggests that increased vocal efficiency may have driven its evolution #PLOSBiology https://t.co/6muutm77pz https://t.co/34Ec8K3PhS

Feb 9, 2019 · 9 likes · 1 share · 102,773 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

@kk_trex ヴェガヴィスという鳥類の化石からは、鳴管が発見されています。 https://t.co/E4qfk9C38K https://t.co/k6bXSXMsGo https://t.co/VM1FOcz6W0 https://t.co/mQVpRe9ljr

Jul 15, 2020 · 7 likes · 2 shares · 4,941 followers View post →
NatureEcoEvo
@NatureEcoEvo · X

Strong selective pressures for high vocal efficiency may have been a major driving force in the evolution of the avian syrinx (cf the larynx) https://t.co/OdcqhevnNw https://t.co/AItf3MYbxW

Feb 18, 2019 · 6 likes · 1 share · 42,169 followers View post →
A.Benítez-Burraco
@abenitezburraco · X

The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory https://t.co/d8AFQAUZJU @erichjarvis @Constantinatheo https://t.co/Vc6GK6FbF4

Feb 23, 2019 · 4 likes · 1 share · 5,865 followers View post →
PLOS Biology
@PLOSBiology · X

Larynx vs syrinx. Many tetrapods use the larynx as a vocal organ; birds, however, evolved the syrinx at the other end of the trachea. Combo of modelling & experiment suggests that increased vocal efficiency may have driven its evolution #PLOSBiology https://t.co/6muutm77pz https://t.co/bDeqKlL78m

Feb 8, 2019 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 102,773 followers View post →

All mentions

Sharptooth Shabazz
@YBankole02 · X

https://t.co/uF85sGol7y

Jan 17, 2022 · 1 like · 827 followers View post →
Lucius
@fizzyb0mb · X

@GMeinzen https://t.co/Gm2qLc0XAU according to this, I'd assume it would make a bird's communication methods less effective both in volume and complexity. less tracheal length means less space for vocal folds. also would be like the difference between a flute and a piccolo I'd imagine.

Jan 19, 2021 · 1 like · 528 followers View post →
Takeshi
@angustidens · X

RT @hirolichyi10: @kk_trex ヴェガヴィスという鳥類の化石からは、鳴管が発見されています。 https://t.co/E4qfk9C38K https://t.co/k6bXSXMsGo https://t.co/VM1FOcz6W0 https:/…

Jul 15, 2020 · 2 shares · 3,544 followers View post →
ビクーピー
@B47197246 · X

RT @hirolichyi10: @kk_trex ヴェガヴィスという鳥類の化石からは、鳴管が発見されています。 https://t.co/E4qfk9C38K https://t.co/k6bXSXMsGo https://t.co/VM1FOcz6W0 https:/…

Jul 15, 2020 · 2 shares · 1,903 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

@kk_trex ヴェガヴィスという鳥類の化石からは、鳴管が発見されています。 https://t.co/E4qfk9C38K https://t.co/k6bXSXMsGo https://t.co/VM1FOcz6W0 https://t.co/mQVpRe9ljr

Jul 15, 2020 · 7 likes · 2 shares · 4,941 followers View post →
Fraser Simpson
@fssbirding · X

The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory. https://t.co/FFD9twpC0L

Apr 27, 2019 · 897 followers View post →
Ben Abbott
@thermokarst · X

Interesting study on the evolutionary origins of birdsong and singing in general by @BYU. #wheneverihearthesongofabird https://t.co/3asHj9scIP

Apr 11, 2019 · 2,235 followers View post →
AKA NickleDave
@nicholdav · X

RT @abenitezburraco: The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory https://t.co/d8AFQAUZJU @erichjarvis @Constantinatheo https://t.co/Vc6…

Feb 23, 2019 · 1 share · 2,345 followers View post →
A.Benítez-Burraco
@abenitezburraco · X

The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory https://t.co/d8AFQAUZJU @erichjarvis @Constantinatheo https://t.co/Vc6GK6FbF4

Feb 23, 2019 · 4 likes · 1 share · 5,865 followers View post →
Adán Miranda
@mamr10000 · X

RT @NatureEcoEvo: Strong selective pressures for high vocal efficiency may have been a major driving force in the evolution of the avian sy…

Feb 18, 2019 · 1 share · 82 followers View post →
NatureEcoEvo
@NatureEcoEvo · X

Strong selective pressures for high vocal efficiency may have been a major driving force in the evolution of the avian syrinx (cf the larynx) https://t.co/OdcqhevnNw https://t.co/AItf3MYbxW

Feb 18, 2019 · 6 likes · 1 share · 42,169 followers View post →
Ben Vincent
@benjvincent · X

RT @PLOSBiology: Larynx vs syrinx. Many tetrapods use the larynx as a vocal organ; birds, however, evolved the syrinx at the other end of t…

Feb 9, 2019 · 1 share · 748 followers View post →
PLOS Biology
@PLOSBiology · X

Larynx vs syrinx. Many tetrapods use the larynx as a vocal organ; birds, however, evolved the syrinx at the other end of the trachea. Combo of modelling & experiment suggests that increased vocal efficiency may have driven its evolution #PLOSBiology https://t.co/6muutm77pz https://t.co/34Ec8K3PhS

Feb 9, 2019 · 9 likes · 1 share · 102,773 followers View post →
PLOS Biology
@PLOSBiology · X

Larynx vs syrinx. Many tetrapods use the larynx as a vocal organ; birds, however, evolved the syrinx at the other end of the trachea. Combo of modelling & experiment suggests that increased vocal efficiency may have driven its evolution #PLOSBiology https://t.co/6muutm77pz https://t.co/pf3le7JYBq

Feb 8, 2019 · 102,773 followers View post →
Jane.Steranko
@Jane_Steranko · X

RT @PLOSBiology: Larynx vs syrinx. Many tetrapods use the larynx as a vocal organ; birds, however, evolved the syrinx at the other end of t…

Feb 8, 2019 · 2 shares · 1,689 followers View post →
monoaminoxidasa
@monoaminoxidasa · X

RT @PLOSBiology: Larynx vs syrinx. Many tetrapods use the larynx as a vocal organ; birds, however, evolved the syrinx at the other end of t…

Feb 8, 2019 · 2 shares · 1,484 followers View post →
PLOS Biology
@PLOSBiology · X

Larynx vs syrinx. Many tetrapods use the larynx as a vocal organ; birds, however, evolved the syrinx at the other end of the trachea. Combo of modelling & experiment suggests that increased vocal efficiency may have driven its evolution #PLOSBiology https://t.co/6muutm77pz https://t.co/bDeqKlL78m

Feb 8, 2019 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 102,773 followers View post →
チョビ之助
@Cyobinosuke · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSBiology: The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory https://t.co/CBgJlxwb7p

Feb 8, 2019 · 3 shares · 492 followers View post →
Dr Pauline Provini
@PaulineProvini · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSBiology: The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory https://t.co/CBgJlxwb7p

Feb 7, 2019 · 3 shares · 640 followers View post →
Jeffrey Rubinoff
@QuietJeffR · X

@YECTranslator Meanwhile, look what article @TomHoltzPaleo tweeted 3 tweets up my TL from you. https://t.co/p8nPuXt0sZ

Feb 7, 2019 · 1 like · 534 followers View post →
Alberta Claw
@albertonykus · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSBiology: The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory https://t.co/CBgJlxwb7p

Feb 7, 2019 · 3 shares · 6,906 followers View post →
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
@TomHoltzPaleo · X

#PLOSBiology: The evolution of the syrinx: An acoustic theory https://t.co/CBgJlxwb7p

Feb 7, 2019 · 10 likes · 3 shares · 32,079 followers View post →