Adaptive vocal behavior drives perception by echolocation in bats

Echolocation operates through adaptive sensorimotor systems that collectively enable the bat to localize and track sonar objects as it flies. The features of sonar signals used by a bat to probe its surroundings determine the information available to its acoustic imaging system. In turn, the bat's perception of a complex scene guides its active adjustments in the features of subsequent sonar vocalizations. Here, we propose that the bat's active vocal-motor behaviors play directly into its representation of a dynamic auditory scene.

► Bats adjust the duration and interval of vocalizations to control the temporal flow of information. ► Echolocating bats control the directional aim of the sonar beam to inspect closely spaced objects. ► Bats adjust the frequency of sonar cries to sort echoes from multiple objects and avoid jamming.