1 IntroductionHenrik BrummPart I: Signal Detection Theory -- 2 Signal Detection, Noise, and the Evolution of CommunicationR. Haven WileyPart II: Acoustic Signals -- 3 Masking by Noise in Acoustic Insects: Problems and SolutionsHeiner Romer -- 4 Effects of Noise on Sound Detection and Acoustic Communication in FishesFriedrich Ladich -- 5 Anuran Acoustic Signal Production in Noisy EnvironmentsJoshua J. Schwartz and Mark A. Bee -- 6 Anuran Acoustic Signal Perception in Noisy Environments Alejandro Velez, Joshua J. Schwartz, and Mark A. Bee -- 7 Avian Vocal Production in NoiseHenrik Brumm and Sue Anne Zollinger -- 8 Avian Sound Perception in NoiseRobert J. Dooling and Sandra H. Blumenrath -- 9 Effects of Noise on Acoustic Signal Production in Marine Mammals.Peter L. Tyack and Vincent M. Janik -- 10 Effects of Noise on Sound Perception in Marine MammalsJames J. Finneran and Brian K. BranstetterPart III: Optical, Electric, and Chemical Signals -- 11 Noise in Visual Communication: Motion from Wind-Blown PlantsRichard A Peters -- 12 Neural Noise in Electro communication -from Burden to BenefitsJan Benda, Jan Grewe and Rudiger Krahe -- 13 Noise in Chemical CommunicationVolker Nehring, Tristram D. Wyatt and Patrizia d'EttorrePart IV: Impacts of Anthropogenic Noise -- 14. Anthropogenic Noise and ConservationPeter K. McGregor, Andrew G. Horn, Marty L. Leonard and, Frank Thomsen

The study of animal communication has led to significant progress in our general understanding of motor and sensory systems, evolution, and speciation. However, one often neglected aspect is that signal exchange in every modality is constrained by noise, be it in the transmission channel or in the nervous system. This book analyses whether and how animals can cope with such constraints, and explores the implications that noise has for our understanding of animal communication. It is written by leading biologists working on different taxa including insects, fish, amphibians, lizards, birds, and mammals. In addition to this broad taxonomic approach, the chapters also cover a wide array of research disciplines: from the mechanisms of signal production and perception, to the behavioural ecology of signalling, the evolution of animal communication, and conservation issues. This volume promotes the integration of the knowledge gained by the diverse approaches to the study of animal communication and, at the same time, highlights particularly interesting fields of current and future research