In:
Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B: Molecular and Developmental Evolution, Wiley, Vol. 332, No. 3-4 ( 2019-05), p. 92-98
Abstract:
Vocal learning is an attribute present in three orders of birds (hummingbirds, parrots, and songbirds), cetaceans, and humans. In songbirds, vocal learning and song production depend on a set of specialized brain nuclei known as the song system. The ability to learn and produce song serves as a basis for the acquisition of spoken language in humans. In vocal learning birds, the memorization and production of song share many important parallels with the process of speech acquisition in humans. In this paper, we report for the first time the neuroanatomical changes of the seasonal tropical bird, Turdus rufiventris . We show seasonal changes in the HVC song nucleus of the male during breeding and nonbreeding periods. Gene expression analysis showed a reduction of song nuclei markers during the nonbreeding season. Our data support the hypothesis that the song nucleus HVC undergoes morphological and molecular changes during breeding seasons and this accompanies changes in gene expression. Finally, we show that female T. rufiventris have a reduced song nuclei system similar to nonbreeding male. This paper should be of broad interest to readers in the area of evo‐devo because it contributes to the understanding of the seasonal changes in vocalization in tropical birds.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1552-5007
,
1552-5015
DOI:
10.1002/jezb.b.v332.3-4
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2019
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2113204-5
SSG:
12