Comparative approaches to avian song system function: insights into auditory and motor processing.

摘要: Many fundamental advances in our understanding of basic neural function have been made using bird song learning and performance as a model system. These included greater higher-order processing, developmental hormonal influences on behavior, the realization that neurogenesis plays an important role normal adult brain function. The great diversity passerine birds song-related behaviors they exhibit suggest oscine songbirds are ideally suited for comparative studies. While approach has used successfully past to study phenomena at anatomical behavioral levels, it underutilized addressing questions neurophysiological level. Most studies songbird auditory motor processing performed one species, zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). We present compare we finches sparrows (Melospiza melodia), species differ markedly their singing behavior repertoire characteristics. Interspecific similarities, striking differences, apparent. preliminary, these data carefully chosen vocal will contribute significantly vertebrate sensory processing.