this post was submitted on 11 Dec 2023
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Digital Bioacoustics

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Welcome to c/DigitalBioacoustics, a unique niche in the vast universe of online forums and digital communities. At its core, bioacoustics is the study of sound in and from living organisms, an intriguing intersection of biology and acoustics. Digital bioacoustics, an extension of this field, involves using technology to capture, analyze, and interpret these biological sounds. This community is dedicated to exploring these fascinating aspects of nature through a digital lens.

As you delve into c/DigitalBioacoustics, you'll notice it's not just another technical forum. This space transcends the usual drone of server rooms or the monotonous tap-tap of keyboards. Here, members engage in a unique fusion of natural wonders and technological prowess. Imagine a world where the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the mysterious calls of nocturnal creatures meet the precision of digital recording and analysis.

Within this domain, we, the participants, become both observers and participants in an intricate dance. Our mission is to unravel the mysteries of nature's soundtrack, decoding the language of the wild through the lens of science. This journey is not just about data and graphs; it's about connecting with the primal rhythm of life itself.

As you venture deeper, the poetic essence of our community unfolds. Nature's raw concert, from the powerful songs of mating calls to the subtle whispers of predator and prey, creates a tapestry of sounds. We juxtapose these organic melodies with the mechanical beeps and buzzes of our equipment, a reminder of the constant interplay between the natural world and our quest to understand it.

Our community embodies the spirit of curious scientists and nature enthusiasts alike, all drawn to the mystery and majesty of the natural world. In this symphonic melding of science and nature, we discover not just answers, but also new questions and a deeper appreciation for the complex beauty of our planet.

c/DigitalBioacoustics is more than a mere digital gathering place. It's a living, breathing symphony of stories, each note a discovery, each pause a moment of reflection. Here, we celebrate the intricate dance of nature and technology, the joy of discovery, and the enduring quest for understanding in a world filled with both harmony and dissonance.

For those brave enough to explore its depths, c/DigitalBioacoustics offers a journey like no other: a melding of science and art, a discovery of nature's secrets, and a celebration of the eternal dance between the wild and the wired.

Related communities:

https://lemmy.world/c/awwnverts
https://lemmy.world/c/bats
!biology@mander.xyz
https://lemmy.world/c/birding
https://lemmy.world/c/capybara
https://lemmy.world/c/jellyfish
https://lemmy.world/c/nature
!open_source_ecology@slrpnk.net
https://lemmy.world/c/opossums
https://lemmy.world/c/raccoons
https://lemmy.world/c/skunks
https://lemmy.world/c/whales

Please let me know if you know of any other related communities or any other links I should add.

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[–] someguy3@lemmy.ca -2 points 9 months ago (3 children)

Checks community... Ok I'm going to be downvoted. None of these are impressive feats. Interoception? Freeing others? Understanding movement/gestures? Not impressive and not worthy of what's being assigned to it.

[–] Vegoon@feddit.de 13 points 9 months ago

Animals don't have to know language or be able to do math, I think it is enough to know they can feel pain, suffer when their children are taken away and have a desire to be free.

Most humans have no impressive feats, still would not want anyone to be treated like non human animals.

[–] remotelove@lemmy.ca 10 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

If we could discover more primitive behaviors in mycelium, I would be very impressed.

I do agree with you. Anyone that has been around animals long enough can tell you that they can be fairly intelligent and absolutely have emotions. It's not as "oh wow!" as that article seems to portray.

[–] Haggunenons@lemmy.world 7 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, I've seen it happen a bit where a scientific "discovery" is made, but common sense and and first-hand experience has largely already pieced it together. I think it is sometimes just that it is nice to have it formally verified by a rigorous scientific study.

I think there is a whole lot to be uncovered in the world of fungi, this study finding that mushrooms have up to 50 different "words" is quite interesting [1] . Everything that Andrew Adamatzky is doing with the connection between computers and fungi is fascinating. I suppose this "words" discovery is another case where many people have known for ages through first-hand experience that mushrooms are able to "talk" to them ;)

[–] remotelove@lemmy.ca 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

The article was still a positive, IMHO. Some people probably haven't been around enough animals to really understand the nuances of their behavior, so it could have easily been an eye opener.

It's kind of a running joke in the psychedelic communities that a mushroom is sort of a guide. It won't give you the trip you want, but rather, the trip you need. (I shit you not, I jokingly personify mushrooms now because of my own experiences. It's a thing.)

[–] schmorpel 1 points 9 months ago

personify mushrooms now because of my own experiences. It’s a thing.

you are not alone

[–] Haggunenons@lemmy.world 4 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Personally, I am just interested in learning what cognitive abilities various types of animals are capable of. Farm animal cognitive research, specifically, is an area that is largely understudied, there simply isn't much money going into understanding the cognition of the types of animals that are the most preferred sources of food. You are absolutely correct that these studies have not revealed any new or previously unheard of abilities in non-human animals. There are other types of animals that have been found to do much more impressive cognitive feats.

I'm curious, what do you feel is being unjustly assigned to them? Humans are especially susceptible to a range of mistakes when trying to measure the inner worlds and abilities of animals, and any insight into these mistakes being made is very helpful in uncovering how things actually are. In fact, there is even something known as the Clever Hans Effect which is when scientists are giving cues to the animals as to which behavior they would prefer to have exist, even the scientist themself is unaware of the cues.

[–] someguy3@lemmy.ca 2 points 9 months ago

I was referring to the adjectives the article assigned based on those observations.