Sound Localization

Sound localization is an organism's ability to determine the location of a sound and where it originates from directionally. This is an evolutionary adaptive ability because it allows an organism to determine where possible predators are located while they are still at a distance. Auditory systems use different cues for auditory localization such as differences between what each ear is perceiving (which can determine what direction the sound is coming from). Many animals (like some dogs) use ear movement to help determine where a sound is originating from. An example of sound localization is when you are driving and hear an ambulance siren. You want to determine if it is coming near you so you can stop your vehicle if it needs to pass you. Using your auditory perceptions you can determine what direction the siren is coming from and that it is growing fainter. This allows you to determine that the ambulance is traveling away from you and no action is necessary.