Avians possess a distinctive sound-producing organ, the syrinx, located at the tracheal bifurcation. The Common Loon has a unique set of vocalizations used for communication, including a male-specific call. This project aimed to explore anatomical differences in male and female syringes that account for differences in vocalizations. Micro-CT imaging was used to examine syrinx morphology, creating 3D models of loon syringes. Results revealed a tracheobronchial syrinx type in loons, yet no anatomical differences between male and female loon syringes were observed.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Al Hakeem, Maryam
• Guilfoyle, Caitlin

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 121594
• E-project-042424-204440

Mot-clé

• Common Loon
• Micro-CT Imaging
• Syrinx
• 3D modeling
• Vocalizations

Advisor

• Rulfs, Jill
• Buckholt, Michael Allan

Year

• 2024

Date created

• 2024-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Source

• E-project-042424-204440

Rights statement

• In Copyright