Douglas Cross, Ph.D.
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850
cross@ithaca.edu

This project investigated the viability of using noninvasive, surface recorded methods for recording brain wave patterns of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. Such methods could be used to study the auditory systems of these animals as well as investigate potential cognitive-linguistic capabilities.

Results of these pilot investigations showed that both short- and long-latency auditory evoked potentials to pure tone signals and prerecorded dolphin whistles were successfully recorded from the skin surface of "Toby" a male bottlenose dolphin. Time limitations prohibited recording from the surface of the sea lion subject. Further research in this area is needed to validate these findings and develop methodologies for incorporating the use of AEPs in future research.

Gratitude is extended to the administrators and marine mammal trainers at The Living Seas for their tireless efforts in these projects.

This investigation was supported, in part, by an Ithaca College Faculty Summer Research Grant.