Final answer:
Lower frequency vibrations cause the distal end of the basilar membrane to vibrate more than the proximal end, as the place theory of pitch perception indicates that high frequencies vibrate the base while low frequencies vibrate the apex.
Step-by-step explanation:
Relative to high frequency vibrations, lower frequency vibrations cause the distal end of the basilar membrane to vibrate more than the proximal end. This is explained by the place theory of pitch perception, which suggests that different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies. High frequency sounds tend to vibrate the part of the membrane near the base (proximal end), which is closer to the oval window and is stiffer and narrower. Conversely, low-frequency sounds travel farther along the cochlea and primarily excite the broader and floppier apex (distal end) of the basilar membrane.