The researchers found that, as expected, there was a linear correlation between the size of a species's hyoid and the so - called «formant spacing» of its calls, a measure of the deepness and resonance of the vocalizations; so having a big hyoid generally means
producing louder roars.
It gets its name from its massive size and the large proboscis of the adult male, which is used to
produce very
loud roars, especially during the breeding season.