Sex-Dependent Species Discrimination in Auditory Forebrain of Naturally Hybridizing Birds

摘要: Pairs of individuals breed together only if they recognize each other as the same species, but process recognizing conspecifics can depend on flexible criteria even when species-specific signals are innate and fixed. This study examines species recognition in naturally hybridizing sister California Gambel's quail (Callipepla californica Callipepla gambelii), that have vocalizations which not learned. Specifically, this tests whether being raised a vocalizing mixed-species cohort affects neural activity adult auditory forebrain response to heterospecific conspecific calls. After hatching, chicks were either with their own kind or both species. Once reaching reproductive condition, was played recording one three types: opposite-sex contact calls; synthetic tones. Brains collected following playback assessed for neuronal by quantifying expression protein immediate early gene, ZENK, two brain regions, caudomedial nidopallium (NCM) mesopallium (CMM). ZENK levels greater NCM males than females, female cells responded differentially compared Namely, females had more immuno-positive heard calls rather male Early experience broodmates did alter responses CMM vocalizations. suggests plays role discrimination rearing condition does these non-vocal-learning