Analysis of underwater Odobenus calls with remarks on the development and function of the pharyngeal pouches

Abstract

W E HERE report underwater sounds made by a 10-year-old Atlantic walrus (NYA No. 1: "Olaf"), Odobenus r. rosmarus (Linne) 1758, captive at the New York Aquarium since a little over a year of age.We distinguish three categories.Most often heard is a short, rasping sound, next are series of clicks, and rarest is a striking bell-like sound.These are all true underwater sounds, made with the mouth shut and the head submerged.Examples of each are given on the accompanying phonograph disk.The familiar in-air bellow, grunt, and mellow whistle couple well with water when made by a partially immersed animal, but are not discussed here.