Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard: These animals can hear everything

These animals can hear everything

The world is always abuzz with sounds, many of which human ears simply can’t hear. However, other species have extraordinary adaptations that grant them access to realms of sonic extremes. And some of them don’t even have ears— at least, not like we typically imagine. So, which is the best listener? Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard explores the auditory capabilities of the animal kingdom. [Directed by Joseph Clark, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Jarrett Farkas].

Many animals perceive sounds far beyond the human range, using extraordinary adaptations to thrive in their environments. Owls can detect prey tunneling under snow by channeling sound with their entire faces, while the greater wax moth hears frequencies up to 300,000 hertz. Some species, like ogre-faced spiders and golden moles, sense vibrations without traditional ears, relying on unique body structures instead. These innovations reveal a hidden soundscape alive with communication and survival.