The explanatory usefulness of place theory is limited because the neural signals triggered by ________ sound waves are not neatly associated with activation of a specific region of the ________.

A) high-frequency;oval window
B) low-frequency;oval window
C) high-frequency;basilar membrane
D) low-frequency;basilar membrane

Place theory proposes that different frequencies of sound waves activate different regions on the basilar membrane, which in turn stimulates specific neurons in the auditory nerve. However, this theory only holds true for high-frequency sounds, as their localization on the membrane is distinct. For low-frequency sounds, the pattern of activation on the membrane is less clear and can overlap with regions activated by other frequencies, leading to less precise localization. Therefore, the explanatory usefulness of place theory is limited for low-frequency sound waves.