Scientists are excited to have discovered a new species of primate deep in the jungle.Most surprising is that this new primate species has a basilar membrane that is twice as long as ours,and it contains twice as many hair cells.Based on these anatomical findings,what would the place theory of pitch perception assume about this primate's auditory abilities?
A) it would have absolute pitch
B) it would require louder sounds in order to hear them
C) it would be able to hear better under water
D) it would hear a wider range of frequencies than we do

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The longer basilar membrane with more hair cells would allow for a greater range of frequencies to be detected by the primate's auditory system, supporting the place theory of pitch perception. Therefore, it would hear a wider range of frequencies than we do. Absolute pitch (A) refers to the ability to identify a specific pitch without a reference tone, which is not related to the basilar membrane and hair cells. Requiring louder sounds (B) or better hearing underwater (C) are also not related to the anatomical differences described.

Scientists Are Excited to Have Discovered a New Species of Primate