Of Ducklings and Turing Machines: Interactive Playbacks Enhance Subsequent Responsiveness to Conspecific Calls

摘要: Distress calls of mallard ducklings consist a highly stereotyped series notes. When two are simultaneously separated from the brood, they characteristically call in alternation. Each bird inhibits its while other is vocalizing, thus preventing masking and facilitating localization by hen. I examined whether exposure to presented naturalistic alternating pattern affected subsequent responsiveness them. Individual were exposed either 40 s or 80 computer-controlled distress playbacks, using an algorithm that mimicked behavior another duckling. Calls only when subject was silent ended as soon it began vocalize. these paired with ‘yoked’ control. Birds control groups experienced exactly same playbacks ‘interactive’ birds, but stimuli had no consistent relationship their own vocal behavior. played back 24 h later, fixed independent ducklings' behavior, birds received prior interactive significantly more responsive than both yoked controls receiving such playbacks. This result suggests experience, characteristic natural communication, affects perceptual sensitivity ducklings.