Abstract
Playback is an experimental technique commonly used to investigate the significance of signals in animal communication systems. It involves replaying recordings of naturally occurring or synthesised signals to animals and noting their response. Playback has made a major contribution to our understanding of animal communication, but like any other technique, it has its limitations and constraints.McGregor P.K., Catchpole C.K., Dabelsteen T., Falls J.B., Fusani L., Gerhardt H.C., Gilbert F., Horn A.G., Klump G.M., Kroodsma D.E., Lambrechts M.M., McComb K.E., Nelson D.A., Pepperberg I.M., Ratcliffe L., Searcy W.A., Weary D.M. 1992. Design of playback experiments: the Thornbridge Hall Nato ARW Consensus. In: Playback and Studies of Animal Communication, NATO ASI Series A, vol. 228, pp. 1-9 (Ed. P.K. McGregor, Plenum Press, New York)