What Your Ears Never Perceived in the Now Was Explained by Science: Study Published in Current Biology Confirms That This Animal Uses Two "Voices" at the Same Time, Combining Vocal Fold Vibration and Laryngeal Whistle in a Rare Phenomenon of Bifonation

What Your Ears Never Perceived in the Now Was Explained by Science: Study Published in Current Biology Confirms That This Animal Uses Two “Voices” at the Same Time, Combining Vocal Fold Vibration and Laryngeal Whistle in a Rare Phenomenon of Bifonation

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 27/02/2026 at 23:43

Imagem ilustrativa destaca a emissão simultânea de frequências grave e aguda descritas no estudo publicado na Current Biology.

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Research Published in 2024 Shows That the Sound of the Horse Combines Vocal Fold Vibration and Laryngeal Whistle, Expanding Understanding of Animal Communication

A scientific discovery of great relevance to vocal biology was announced in 2024, bringing new answers about the sound of the horse and its acoustic complexity.

Researchers confirmed that the neigh uses two frequencies simultaneously, a phenomenon known as bifonation, which is considered rare among large mammals.

The study was published in the journal Current Biology, from Cell Press, and revealed that, although the sound may seem unique to the human ear, it simultaneously combines a low and a high component.

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Technical Investigation Identifies Dual Vocal Mechanism

The research demonstrated that the low sound is produced through the vibration of the vocal folds, a mechanism similar to that observed in human singing.

At the same time, however, the high component is generated by a distinct process.

This involves a whistle formed within the larynx, known as laryngeal whistle, which occurs due to a specific aerodynamic mechanism.

Until then, this type of emission had only been recorded in small rodents.

However, as detailed in the 2024 publication, it had never been confirmed in a large mammal like the horse.

Helium Experiments Confirm Acoustic Phenomenon

To validate the mechanism, scientists conducted experiments using helium gas.

During the tests, it was observed that the high component of the neigh experienced a frequency change when the gas was applied. On the other hand, the low component remained stable.

This difference confirmed that the two sounds are produced by independent mechanisms.

While the vibration of the vocal folds sustains the low sound, the laryngeal whistle responds to changes in gas density.

Thus, the experiment provided clear evidence that bifonation in the horse is real and functional.

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Impacts for the Science of Animal Communication

According to the researchers, this ability may have evolved as an adaptive strategy.

In this way, the horse could convey multiple emotional messages in a single neigh, enhancing communicative efficiency.

Furthermore, the phenomenon suggests that acoustic communication among mammals may be more complex than previously thought.

Consequently, the study broadens the field of investigation into animal vocalization and natural sound systems.

Discovery Expands Understanding of Mammals

The publication in Current Biology, in 2024, solidifies the horse’s neigh as a documented example of bifonation in large mammals.

Therefore, what was once perceived as a simple call is now understood as an acoustic phenomenon composed of two simultaneous systems.

This finding reinforces the importance of detailed studies on animal communication.

At the same time, it highlights how scientific investigations continue to reveal unexpected layers of nature.

In light of this discovery, the question that remains is: what other seemingly simple sounds may conceal complex mechanisms not yet understood by science?

What Your Ears Never Perceived in the Now Was Explained by Science: Study Published in Current Biology Confirms That This Animal Uses Two “Voices” at the Same Time, Combining Vocal Fold Vibration and Laryngeal Whistle in a Rare Phenomenon of Bifonation

Research Published in 2024 Shows That the Sound of the Horse Combines Vocal Fold Vibration and Laryngeal Whistle, Expanding Understanding of Animal Communication

Technical Investigation Identifies Dual Vocal Mechanism

Helium Experiments Confirm Acoustic Phenomenon

Impacts for the Science of Animal Communication

Discovery Expands Understanding of Mammals

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What Your Ears Never Perceived in the Now Was Explained by Science: Study Published in Current Biology Confirms That This Animal Uses Two “Voices” at the Same Time, Combining Vocal Fold Vibration and Laryngeal Whistle in a Rare Phenomenon of Bifonation

Research Published in 2024 Shows That the Sound of the Horse Combines Vocal Fold Vibration and Laryngeal Whistle, Expanding Understanding of Animal Communication

Technical Investigation Identifies Dual Vocal Mechanism

Helium Experiments Confirm Acoustic Phenomenon

Impacts for the Science of Animal Communication

Discovery Expands Understanding of Mammals

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