Songbird species that display more-complex vocal learning are better problem-solvers and have larger brains

Science, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 381(6663), С. 1170 - 1175

Опубликована: Сен. 14, 2023

Complex vocal learning, a critical component of human spoken language, has been assumed to be associated with more-advanced cognitive abilities. Tests this hypothesis between individuals within species have inconclusive and not done across species. In work, we measured an array skills-namely, problem-solving, associative reversal self-control-across 214 23 bird species, including 19 wild-caught songbird two domesticated nonlearning We found that the greater learning abilities better their problem-solving skills relatively larger brains. These conclusions held when controlling for noncognitive variables phylogeny. Our results support shared genetic mechanisms bigger brains in songbirds.

Язык: Английский

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Early-life environmental effects on birds: epigenetics and microbiome as mechanisms underlying long-lasting phenotypic changes

Journal of Experimental Biology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 227(Suppl_1)

Опубликована: Март 7, 2024

ABSTRACT Although the long-lasting effects of variation in early-life environment have been well documented across organisms, underlying causal mechanisms are only recently starting to be unraveled. Yet understanding can help us predict how organisms will respond changing environments. Birds offer a great system which study developmental plasticity and its owing production large external eggs trajectories, combined with long tradition applied, physiological, ecological evolutionary research. Epigenetic changes (such as DNA methylation) suggested key mechanism mediating taxa. More recently, gut microbiome identified another potential mediator plasticity. As first step whether these contribute birds, this Review summarizes (both prenatal postnatal) influence epigenetic markers microbiome. The literature shows both biotic resources social environment) abiotic (thermal various anthropogenic stressors) factors modify yet data concerning many other environmental limited. links modifications lasting phenotypic still scarce, but hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis one putative pathway. This identifies several knowledge gaps, including on long-term effects, stability molecular changes, lack diversity systems studied, provides directions for future

Язык: Английский

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Integrating innate and learned behavior through brain circuits

Trends in Neurosciences, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Март 1, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Assessing the evidence for treating developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility as different phenomena

Functional Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Июнь 5, 2024

Abstract Phenotypic plasticity has long played a central role in eco‐evolutionary theory, but it was not until 20 years ago that proposed the term encompasses two distinct phenomena—developmental and phenotypic flexibility. While this terminology since been adopted by some, question of whether they are phenomena remains contentious both frequently lumped under umbrella ‘plasticity.’ Here, we treat dichotomy between developmental flexibility as hypothesis, put forth set predictions follow from review support for hypothesis literature. We predict that, if result separate phenomena, developmentally plastic phenotypically flexible traits should differ in: (1) environmental context which evolve, (2) their mechanisms regulation, (3) costs production, (4) how selection acts on them (5) influence population's evolutionary trajectory. In general, most evidence supports treating much to be learned, few studies have specifically investigated potential differences. particular, explorations well trait production reversal needed. Given hypothesized link plasticity, resiliency face rapid change, is an urgent topic will further our understanding evolution across contexts. Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.

Язык: Английский

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Selection levels on vocal individuality: strategic use or byproduct

Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 46, С. 101140 - 101140

Опубликована: Май 20, 2022

Язык: Английский

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Learned components of courtship: A focus on postural displays, choreographies and construction abilities

Advances in the study of behavior, Год журнала: 2022, Номер unknown, С. 43 - 108

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2022

Язык: Английский

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Sensitive Period Diversity: Insights From Evolutionary Models

The Quarterly Review of Biology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 97(4), С. 243 - 295

Опубликована: Дек. 1, 2022

Recent models of the evolution sensitive periods in response to informative stimuli (i.e., cues) provide insights into reasons why empiricists within and across disciplines might observe variation patterns they when study periods. We consider what an evolutionary perspective can tell us about appropriate age begin end a periods, how experimental design predispositions subjects empirical affect its results. Using based on Bayesian updating, we show several factors, including protocol used relative reliability information provided subjects, are expected presence shapes that occur information-only cues. Our results suggest investigators will considerable reported studies simply use them; this is relevant because working different tend rely protocols. theory help shed light adaptive significance by empiricists, e.g., expect heightened sensitivity particular cues during adolescence. describe existing support for some models' predictions, duration be extended if first maintained noninformative conditions before exposed stimuli. highlight novel predictions these readily tested effects deprivation treatments vary, depending their timing. More generally, approach reveals at least observed may attributable methods them.

Язык: Английский

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Cultural shifts after punctuated environmental stress: a study of song distributions in Dark-eyed Junco and Song Sparrow populations

Journal of Field Ornithology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 95(2)

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2024

Environmental stress, especially during development, can cause important phenotypic changes in individuals. In songbirds, these stress-induced have been shown to include impaired learning of song and reduced complexity several species. Typically, developmental stress has studied terms individual variation within a population; however, birdsong, culturally transmitted trait, may undergo relatively rapid if widespread impairment results from population-level environmental could potentially be amplified affected individuals become the tutors for future generations. We thus hypothesize that ecosystem-wide stressors birdsong. Here, we use publicly available birdsong recordings determine whether differences were evident after an abnormal severe 2016 drought western New York State. analyzed two species, Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), recorded between 2006–2020 drought-affected region and, comparison, nearby regions less by drought. The features species with more complex songs (Song Sparrow) changed area 2016, but not control area. simple (Dark-eyed Junco), detected both regions, suggesting did outsized effect on this These findings support nuanced hypothesis deficits disproportionately affect are difficult learn. conclusions tempered sparse recording availability years prior predict longitudinal studies evolution natural populations will tractable given nearly exponential increase number deposited public repositories recent years, making experimental design useful framework studies.

Язык: Английский

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Vernal growth of vocal control nucleus Area X, but not HVC, precedes gonadal recrudescence in wild black‐capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)

Journal of Neuroendocrinology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 20, 2024

Abstract In temperate‐zone songbirds, the neuroanatomical changes which occur in advance of breeding, including growth nuclei vocal control system, are believed to downstream gonadal recrudescence. However, evidence from wild birds is mixed. Here, we captured black‐capped chickadees early spring (March–April), summer (August–September), and winter (December–January); addition measuring volumes two (Area X HVC), also quantified indicators reproductive state (gonads circulating steroids). Most had regressed gonads low levels steroids, indicating these were not yet full breeding condition. still a significantly larger Area than birds, while HVC did differ size across groups. Using data previously published seasonal study (Phillmore et al., Developmental Neurobiology, 2015;75:203–216), then compared our group 3–4 weeks later spring. While volume between studies, males Phillmore al. (2015) HVC. Taken together, this suggests that vernal occurs ahead chickadees, overall system at least partially breeding‐associated upregulation hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis.

Язык: Английский

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A brain for all seasons: An in vivo MRI perspective on songbirds

Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A Ecological and Integrative Physiology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 337(9-10), С. 967 - 984

Опубликована: Авг. 21, 2022

Abstract Seasonality in songbirds includes not only reproduction but also seasonal changes singing behavior and its neural substrate, the song control system (SCS). Prior research mainly focused on role of sex steroids this SCS neuroplasticity males. In review, we summarize advances made field by applying vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) male female starlings, analyzing entire brain, monitoring birds longitudinally determining neuronal correlates variations plasma hormone levels behavior. The first MRI studies used manganese enhanced to visualize a living bird validated previously described brain volume related different seasons testosterone. with testosterone implantation established how consequential boost was correlated structural SCS, indicating activity‐induced as proficiency increased. Next, diffusion tensor explored focusing networks beyond revealing that other sensory systems even cerebellum, which is important for integration perception behavior, experience starting photosensitive period. Functional showed olfactory, auditory processing modulated seasons. convergence so many sensorimotor resembles multisensory during critical period early life. This sheds new light model unlocking recreating seasonally permissive circumstances heightened neuroplasticity.

Язык: Английский

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