Dear All,

The Department of Environmental Studies in collaboration with Department of Biology & Trivedi School of BioSciences cordially invite you to a talk on:

Title: Acoustic communication in tree crickets: From biophysics to behavioural ecology

Speaker: Prof. Rohini Balakrishnan, Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc, Bangalore

Abstract: Tree cricket males use long-distance acoustic communication signals to attract conspecific females for mating. Male songs are species-specific in structure and their song features, including carrier frequency, facilitate species recognition by females. Unusually among true crickets, tree cricket song carrier frequency changes with temperature. The song production mechanism has been investigated to understand why carrier frequency changes with temperature, as well as the implications of this for female receivers. Intraspecific female mate choice based on variation in male song has also been examined using a sensory ecological approach. The causes and consequences of a unique male alternative mating tactic, baffling, wherein they build an acoustic amplifier using leaves, has been studied. Baffling is more common among smaller and less loud males, suggesting that it is a condition-dependent mating tactic. Finally, individual-based simulation models suggest that habitat spatial structure may be key to explaining the evolutionary persistence of multiple alternative mating tactics in tree crickets.

Speaker's Bio: Dr. Rohini Balakrishnan is a Professor at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), specializing in animal communication and bioacoustics. Her research encompasses bioacoustics, animal behavior, community and habitat ecology, and systematics. She investigates sender and receiver strategies in complex acoustic environments, predator-prey interactions, and decision-making in mate-finding and choice. Her work integrates theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches, combining laboratory and field studies.

We look forward to your presence and an engaging discussion!