Echolation is so accurate that with each chirp, a bat or dolphin can tell the location, size, direction and even the physical nature of an object.

Bat echolation

If you’re an insect flying 15-20 feet away from a bat in complete darkness – you’ve had it! Remarkably, bats prevent damage to their own ears by closing them with every wing stroke.

Dolphin echolation

An echolating dolphin can detect a 2.5 cm object, such as a big coin, from over 70 metres away.

Would you like to know what you can detect with your ears? Click to find out!