Chapter 1
The physics of the pop
Chapter 2
The ultimate roommate agreement
Chapter 3
Underwater sonic warfare
Chapter 4
The weird world of eusocial colonies
YOUR GOAL
Master of The secret sonic weapon of the pistol shrimp
Ch 3 · Underwater sonic warfare
alicecooks In the 1940s, the U.S. Navy hid vessels inside vast shrimp beds to mask their acoustic signatures from
alicecooks Vivid painterly brushstrokes depict a colorful pistol shrimp next to a massive whale
Fun Fact
Sonic ocean static: Large colonies of snapping shrimp make so much noise that they can easily be heard from boats above the water without any special equipment.
Glossary
sonar (noun)
A system for detecting objects under water by emitting sound pulses and measuring their return. During World War II, the US Navy hid submarines in snapping shrimp colonies to jam enemy sonar.
A system for detecting objects under water by emitting sound pulses and measuring their return. During World War II, the US Navy hid submarines in snapping shrimp colonies to jam enemy sonar.
Quiz
What happens to a small prey animal when it is hit by the pistol shrimp's acoustic shockwave?
Quiz
Which military group used pistol shrimp colonies to hide their vessels during World War II?
Quiz
How does the decibel level of a pistol shrimp snap compare to a commercial jet takeoff?
Quiz
How do pistol shrimp settle territorial disputes with rivals without killing each other?
Quiz
Why did submarine commanders in World War II hide their ships near snapping shrimp beds?