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Han SM, Land BR, Bass AH, Rice AN. Sound production biomechanics in three-spined toadfish and potential functional consequences of swim bladder morphology in the Batrachoididaea). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:3466-3478. [PMID: 38019096 DOI: 10.1121/10.0022386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between sound complexity and the underlying morphology and physiology of the vocal organ anatomy is a fundamental component in the evolution of acoustic communication, particularly for fishes. Among vertebrates, the mammalian larynx and avian syrinx are the best-studied vocal organs, and their ability to produce complex vocalizations has been modeled. The range and complexity of the sounds in mammalian lineages have been attributed, in part, to the bilateral nature of the vocal anatomy. Similarly, we hypothesize that the bipartite swim bladder of some species of toadfish (family Batrachoididae) is responsible for complex nonlinear characters of the multiple call types that they can produce, supported by nerve transection experiments. Here, we develop a low-dimensional coupled-oscillator model of the mechanics underlying sound production by the two halves of the swim bladder of the three-spined toadfish, Batrachomoeus trispinosus. Our model was able to replicate the nonlinear structure of both courtship and agonistic sounds. The results provide essential support for the hypothesis that fishes and tetrapods have converged in an evolutionary innovation for complex acoustic signaling, namely, a relatively simple bipartite mechanism dependent on sonic muscles contracting around a gas filled structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Min Han
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Bruce R Land
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Andrew H Bass
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Aaron N Rice
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA
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2
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Cunha GR, Cao M, Derpinghaus A, Baskin LS. Androgenic induction of penile features in postnatal female mouse external genitalia from birth to adulthood: Is the female sexual phenotype ever irreversibly determined? Differentiation 2023; 131:1-26. [PMID: 36924743 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Female mice were treated for 35 days from birth to 60 days postnatal (P0, [birth], P5, P10, P20 and adult [∼P60]) with dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Such treatment elicited profound masculinization the female external genitalia and development of penile features (penile spines, male urogenital mating protuberance (MUMP) cartilage, corpus cavernosum glandis, corporal body, MUMP-corpora cavernosa, a large preputial space, internal preputial space, os penis). Time course studies demonstrated that DHT elicited canalization of the U-shaped clitoral lamina to create a U-shaped preputial space, preputial lining epithelium and penile epithelium adorned with spines. The effect of DHT was likely due to signaling through androgen receptors normally present postnatally in the clitoral lamina and associated mesenchyme. This study highlights a remarkable male/female difference in specification and determination of urogenital organ identity. Urogenital organ identity in male mice is irreversibly specified and determined prenatally (prostate, penis, and seminal vesicle), whereas many aspects of the female urogenital organogenesis are not irreversibly determined at birth and in the case of external genitalia are not irreversibly determined even into adulthood, the exception being positioning of the female urethra, which is determined prenatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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3
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Dewi CMS, Dhamayanti Y, Fikri F, Purnomo A, Khairani S, Chhetri S, Purnama MTE. An investigation of syrinx morphometry and sound frequency association during the chirping period in lovebirds ( Agapornis fischeri). F1000Res 2023; 11:354. [PMID: 38779459 PMCID: PMC11109576 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.108884.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: In the issue of biodiversity, the domestication of birds as pets and trade animals requires special attention as a conservation effort. Lovebirds ( Agapornis fischeri) are popular birds worldwide, due to their varied ornamentation and melodic chirping sound. Syrinx structure is suspected to be the main source of sound production during the chirping period. This study aimed to investigate syrinx morphometry and its correlation with sound frequency produced in lovebirds. Methods: A total of 24 lovebirds of different ages and gender were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction method was performed to determine lovebird gender, meanwhile bird age was identified based on post-hatch recordings at the breeding farm. Thus, we enrolled male (n=12) and female (n=12) lovebirds aged 2 (n=4), 3 (n=4), and 4 (n=4) months in the investigation group, respectively. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was performed to evaluate sound frequency during chirping period. Then, syrinx morphometry was identified using a topographic approach and methylene blue staining. Each variable was evaluated with Image J software and vernier caliper. Results: Based on a topographical approach, we reported the general cartilage structure of the tracheosyringeal, bronchosyringeal, paired protrusions, tracheolateral muscles, sternotracheal muscles, and syringeal muscles in lovebird syrinx. In particular, the tympaniform membranes lateral lead a crucial role in modulating the frequency of male lovebirds more significantly (p=0,009) compared to female. On the other hand, the tympaniform membranes lateral dexter (p=0,02) and sinister (p=0,05) in females showed wider compared to male. We also reported a negative correlation between sound frequency compared to tympaniform membranes lateral dexter (y = -913,56x + 6770,8) and sinister (y = -706,16x + 5736). Conclusions: It can be concluded that the tympaniform membranes lateral produced the lovebirds' primary sound. The sound frequency of male lovebirds was higher compared to female, however negatively correlated with the area of tympaniform membranes lateral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cytra Meyliana Surya Dewi
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
| | - Yeni Dhamayanti
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
| | - Faisal Fikri
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Physiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
| | - Agus Purnomo
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Shafia Khairani
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjajaran, Bandung, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Shekhar Chhetri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Punakha, 13001, Bhutan
| | - Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad Purnama
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
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4
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Girola E, Dunlop RA, Noad MJ. Singing in a noisy ocean: vocal plasticity in male humpback whales. BIOACOUSTICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2022.2122560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Girola
- Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - R. A. Dunlop
- Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - M. J. Noad
- Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
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5
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Crino OL, Falk S, Katsis AC, Kraft FLOH, Buchanan KL. Mitochondria as the powerhouses of sexual selection: Testing mechanistic links between development, cellular respiration, and bird song. Horm Behav 2022; 142:105184. [PMID: 35596967 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The developmental environment can affect the expression of sexually selected traits in adulthood. The physiological mechanisms that modulate such effects remain a matter of intense debate. Here, we test the role of the developmental environment in shaping adult mitochondrial function and link mitochondrial function to expression of a sexually selected trait in males (bird song). We exposed male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to corticosterone (CORT) treatment during development. After males reached adulthood, we quantified mitochondrial function from whole red blood cells and measured baseline CORT and testosterone levels, body condition/composition, and song structure. CORT-treated males had mitochondria that were less efficient (FCRL/R) and used a lower proportion of maximum capacity (FCRR/ETS) than control males. Additionally, CORT-treated males had higher baseline levels of CORT as adults compared to control males. Using structural equation modelling, we found that the effects of CORT treatment during development on adult mitochondrial function were indirect and modulated by baseline CORT levels, which are programmed by CORT treatment during development. Developmental treatment also had an indirect effect on song peak frequency. Males treated with CORT during development sang songs with higher peak frequency than control males, but this effect was modulated through increased CORT levels and by a decrease in FCRR/ETS. CORT-treated males had smaller tarsi compared to control males; however, there were no associations between body size and measures of song frequency. Here, we provide the first evidence supporting links between the developmental environment, mitochondrial function, and the expression of a sexually selected trait (bird song).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondi L Crino
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Steph Falk
- School of Biological Science Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Institute of Immunology and Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Andrew C Katsis
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fanny-Linn O H Kraft
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katherine L Buchanan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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6
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7
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Ariza-Marín ER, De Luna E. Morphometric analyses of sexual dimorphism in sound-emitting structures in adults of the bess beetle Vindex agnoscendus (Coleoptera: Passalidae). ZOOLOGY 2022; 151:125992. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2021.125992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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8
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Goller F, Love J, Mindlin G. Different frequency control mechanisms and the exploitation of frequency space in passerines. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:6569-6578. [PMID: 34141241 PMCID: PMC8207358 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Birdsong is used in reproductive context and, consequently, has been shaped by strong natural and sexual selection. The acoustic performance includes a multitude of acoustic and temporal characteristics that are thought to honestly reveal the quality of the singing individual.One major song feature is frequency and its modulation. Sound frequency can be actively controlled, but the control mechanisms differ between different groups. Two described mechanisms are pressure-driven frequency changes in suboscines and control by syringeal muscles in oscines.To test to what degree these different control mechanisms enhance or limit the exploitation of frequency space by individual species and families, we compared the use of frequency space by tyrannid suboscines and emberizid/passerellid oscines.We find that despite the different control mechanisms, the songs of species in both groups can contain broad frequency ranges and rapid and sustained frequency modulation (FM). The maximal values for these parameters are slightly higher in oscines.Furthermore, the mean frequency range of song syllables is substantially larger in oscines than suboscines. Species within each family group collectively exploit equally broadly the available frequency space.The narrower individual frequency ranges of suboscines likely indicate morphological specialization for particular frequencies, whereas muscular control of frequency facilitated broader exploitation of frequency space by individual oscine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Goller
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Institute for ZoophysiologyUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Jay Love
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Gabriel Mindlin
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
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Jiang H, Lin JQ, Sun L, Xu YC, Fang SG. Sex-Biased Gene Expression and Evolution in the Cerebrum and Syrinx of Chinese Hwamei ( Garrulax canorus). Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040569. [PMID: 33919806 PMCID: PMC8070764 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is common that males and females display sexual dimorphisms, which usually result from sex-biased gene expression. Chinese hwamei (Garrulax canorus) is a good model for studying sex-biased gene expression because the song between the sexes is quite different. In this study, we analyze cerebrum and syrinx sex-biased gene expression and evolution using the de novo assembled Chinese hwamei transcriptome. In both the cerebrum and syrinx, our study revealed that most female-biased genes were actively expressed in females only, while most male-biased genes were actively expressed in both sexes. In addition, both male- and female-biased genes were enriched on the putative Z chromosome, suggesting the existence of sexually antagonistic genes and the insufficient dosage compensation of the Z-linked genes. We also identified a 9 Mb sex linkage region on the putative 4A chromosome which enriched more than 20% of female-biased genes. Resultantly, male-biased genes in both tissues had significantly higher Ka/Ks and effective number of codons (ENCs) than unbiased genes, and this suggested that male-biased genes which exhibit accelerated divergence may have resulted from positive selection. Taken together, our results initially revealed the reasons for the differences in singing behavior between males and females of Chinese hwamei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.J.); (J.-Q.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Jian-Qing Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.J.); (J.-Q.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Li Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.J.); (J.-Q.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Yan-Chun Xu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Research Center of Engineering Technology for Wildlife Conservation, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Sheng-Guo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.J.); (J.-Q.L.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-571-88206472
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10
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Syringeal vocal folds do not have a voice in zebra finch vocal development. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6469. [PMID: 33742101 PMCID: PMC7979720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85929-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Vocal behavior can be dramatically changed by both neural circuit development and postnatal maturation of the body. During song learning in songbirds, both the song system and syringeal muscles are functionally changing, but it is unknown if maturation of sound generators within the syrinx contributes to vocal development. Here we densely sample the respiratory pressure control space of the zebra finch syrinx in vitro. We show that the syrinx produces sound very efficiently and that key acoustic parameters, minimal fundamental frequency, entropy and source level, do not change over development in both sexes. Thus, our data suggest that the observed acoustic changes in vocal development must be attributed to changes in the motor control pathway, from song system circuitry to muscle force, and not by material property changes in the avian analog of the vocal folds. We propose that in songbirds, muscle use and training driven by the sexually dimorphic song system are the crucial drivers that lead to sexual dimorphism of the syringeal skeleton and musculature. The size and properties of the instrument are thus not changing, while its player is.
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11
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Monte A, Cerwenka AF, Ruthensteiner B, Gahr M, Düring DN. The hummingbird syrinx morphome: a detailed three-dimensional description of the black jacobin’s vocal organ. BMC ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-020-00057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The ability to imitate sounds depends on a process called vocal production learning, a rare evolutionary trait. In addition to the few mammalian groups that possess this ability, vocal production learning has evolved independently in three avian clades: songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds. Although the anatomy and mechanisms of sound production in songbirds are well understood, little is known about the hummingbird’s vocal anatomy.
Results
We use high-resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) and microdissection to reveal the three-dimensional structure of the syrinx, the vocal organ of the black jacobin (Florisuga fusca), a phylogenetically basal hummingbird species. We identify three features of the black jacobin’s syrinx: (i) a shift in the position of the syrinx to the outside of the thoracic cavity and the related loss of the sterno-tracheal muscle, (ii) complex intrinsic musculature, oriented dorso-ventrally, and (iii) ossicles embedded in the medial vibratory membranes.
Conclusions
The extra-thoracic placement of the black jacobin’s syrinx and the dorso-ventrally oriented musculature likely aid to uncoupling syrinx movements from extensive flight-related thorax constraints. The syrinx morphology further allows for vibratory decoupling, precise control of complex acoustic parameters, and a large motor redundancy that may be key biomechanical factors leading to acoustic complexity and thus facilitating the occurrence of vocal production learning.
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12
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Saravanan V, Hoffmann LA, Jacob AL, Berman GJ, Sober SJ. Dopamine Depletion Affects Vocal Acoustics and Disrupts Sensorimotor Adaptation in Songbirds. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0190-19.2019. [PMID: 31126913 PMCID: PMC6565373 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0190-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine is hypothesized to convey error information in reinforcement learning tasks with explicit appetitive or aversive cues. However, during motor skill learning feedback signals arise from an animal's evaluation of sensory feedback resulting from its own behavior, rather than any external reward or punishment. It has previously been shown that intact dopaminergic signaling from the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra pars compacta (VTA/SNc) complex is necessary for vocal learning when songbirds modify their vocalizations to avoid hearing distorted auditory feedback (playbacks of white noise). However, it remains unclear whether dopaminergic signaling underlies vocal learning in response to more naturalistic errors (pitch-shifted feedback delivered via headphones). We used male Bengalese finches (Lonchura striata var. domestica) to test the hypothesis that the necessity of dopamine signaling is shared between the two types of learning. We combined 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of dopaminergic terminals within Area X, a basal ganglia nucleus critical for song learning, with a headphones learning paradigm that shifted the pitch of auditory feedback and compared their learning to that of unlesioned controls. We found that 6-OHDA lesions affected song behavior in two ways. First, over a period of days lesioned birds systematically lowered their pitch regardless of the presence or absence of auditory errors. Second, 6-OHDA lesioned birds also displayed severe deficits in sensorimotor learning in response to pitch-shifted feedback. Our results suggest roles for dopamine in both motor production and auditory error processing, and a shared mechanism underlying vocal learning in response to both distorted and pitch-shifted auditory feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Saravanan
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Lukas A Hoffmann
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Amanda L Jacob
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Gordon J Berman
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Physics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Samuel J Sober
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
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Pike CD, Kriengwatana BP. Vocal tract constancy in birds and humans. Behav Processes 2018; 163:99-112. [PMID: 30145277 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Humans perceive speech as being relatively stable despite acoustic variation caused by vocal tract (VT) differences between speakers. Humans use perceptual 'vocal tract normalisation' (VTN) and other processes to achieve this stability. Similarity in vocal apparatus/acoustics between birds and humans means that birds might also experience VT variation. This has the potential to impede bird communication. No known studies have explicitly examined this, but a number of studies show perceptual stability or 'perceptual constancy' in birds similar to that seen in humans when dealing with VT variation. This review explores similarities between birds and humans and concludes that birds show sufficient evidence of perceptual constancy to warrant further research in this area. Future work should 1) quantify the multiple sources of variation in bird vocalisations, including, but not limited to VT variations, 2) determine whether vocalisations are perniciously disrupted by any of these and 3) investigate how birds reduce variation to maintain perceptual constancy and perceptual efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleopatra Diana Pike
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Mary's Quad, South Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JP, UK.
| | - Buddhamas Pralle Kriengwatana
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Mary's Quad, South Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JP, UK
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14
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Neural coding of sound envelope structure in songbirds. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 204:285-294. [PMID: 29234861 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1238-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Songbirds are a well-established animal model to study the neural basis of learning, perception and production of complex vocalizations. In this system, telencephalic neurons in HVC present a state-dependent, highly selective response to auditory presentations of the bird's own song (BOS). This property provides an opportunity to study the neural code behind a complex motor behavior. In this work, we explore whether changes in the temporal structure of the sound envelope can drive changes in the neural responses of highly selective HVC units. We generated an envelope-modified BOS (MOD) by reversing each syllable's envelope but leaving the overall temporal structure of syllable spectra unchanged, which resulted in a subtle modification for each song syllable. We conducted in vivo electrophysiological recordings of HVC neurons in anaesthetized zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Units analyzed presented a high BOS selectivity and lower response to MOD, but preserved the profile response shape. These results show that the temporal evolution of the sound envelope is being sensed by the avian song system and suggest that the biomechanical properties of the vocal apparatus could play a role in enhancing subtle sound differences.
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15
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Döppler JF, Bush A, Goller F, Mindlin GB. From electromyographic activity to frequency modulation in zebra finch song. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 204:209-217. [PMID: 29170980 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1231-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Behavior emerges from the interaction between the nervous system and peripheral devices. In the case of birdsong production, a delicate and fast control of several muscles is required to control the configuration of the syrinx (the avian vocal organ) and the respiratory system. In particular, the syringealis ventralis muscle is involved in the control of the tension of the vibrating labia and thus affects the frequency modulation of the sound. Nevertheless, the translation of the instructions (which are electrical in nature) into acoustical features is complex and involves nonlinear, dynamical processes. In this work, we present a model of the dynamics of the syringealis ventralis muscle and the labia, which allows calculating the frequency of the generated sound, using as input the electrical activity recorded in the muscle. In addition, the model provides a framework to interpret inter-syllabic activity and hints at the importance of the biomechanical dynamics in determining behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Döppler
- Department of Physics, FCEyN, University of Buenos Aires, and IFIBA, CONICET, Pabellón 1, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Alan Bush
- Department of Physics, FCEyN, University of Buenos Aires, and IFIBA, CONICET, Pabellón 1, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franz Goller
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Gabriel B Mindlin
- Department of Physics, FCEyN, University of Buenos Aires, and IFIBA, CONICET, Pabellón 1, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Mencio C, Kuberan B, Goller F. Contributions of rapid neuromuscular transmission to the fine control of acoustic parameters of birdsong. J Neurophysiol 2016; 117:637-645. [PMID: 27852738 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00843.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural control of complex vocal behaviors, such as birdsong and speech, requires integration of biomechanical nonlinearities through muscular output. Although control of airflow and tension of vibrating tissues are known functions of vocal muscles, it remains unclear how specific muscle characteristics contribute to specific acoustic parameters. To address this gap, we removed heparan sulfate chains using heparitinases to perturb neuromuscular transmission subtly in the syrinx of adult male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Infusion of heparitinases into ventral syringeal muscles altered their excitation threshold and reduced neuromuscular transmission changing their ability to modulate airflow. The changes in muscle activation dynamics caused a reduction in frequency modulation rates and elimination of many high-frequency syllables but did not alter the fundamental frequency of syllables. Sound amplitude was reduced and sound onset pressure was increased, suggesting a role of muscles in the induction of self-sustained oscillations under low-airflow conditions, thus enhancing vocal efficiency. These changes were reversed to preinfusion levels by 7 days after infusion. These results illustrate complex interactions between the control of airflow and tension and further define the importance of syringeal muscle in the control of a variety of acoustic song characteristics. In summary, the findings reported here show that altering neuromuscular transmission can lead to reversible changes to the acoustic structure of song. Understanding the full extent of muscle involvement in song production is critical in decoding the motor program for the production of complex vocal behavior, including our search for parallels between birdsong and human speech motor control. NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is largely unknown how fine motor control of acoustic parameters is achieved in vocal organs. Subtle manipulation of syringeal muscle function was used to test how active motor control influences acoustic parameters. Slowed activation kinetics of muscles reduced frequency modulation and, unexpectedly, caused a distinct decrease in sound amplitude and increase in phonation onset pressure. These results show that active control enhances the efficiency of energy conversion in the syrinx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Mencio
- Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Balagurunathan Kuberan
- Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Franz Goller
- Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; .,Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Embodied Motor Control of Avian Vocal Production. VERTEBRATE SOUND PRODUCTION AND ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27721-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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18
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Erdoğan S, Sağsöz H, Paulsen F. Functional Anatomy of the Syrinx of the Chukar Partridge (Galliformes:Alectoris chukar) as a Model for Phonation Research. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 298:602-17. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Erdoğan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Dicle University; Diyarbakir Turkey
| | - Hakan Sağsöz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Dicle University; Diyarbakir Turkey
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Department of Anatomy II; Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
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Alonso R, Goller F, Mindlin GB. Motor control of sound frequency in birdsong involves the interaction between air sac pressure and labial tension. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2014; 89:032706. [PMID: 24730873 PMCID: PMC4083689 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.89.032706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Frequency modulation is a salient acoustic feature of birdsong. Its control is usually attributed to the activity of syringeal muscles, which affect the tension of the labia responsible for sound production. We use experimental and theoretical tools to test the hypothesis that for birds producing tonal sounds such as domestic canaries (Serinus canaria), frequency modulation is determined by both the syringeal tension and the air sac pressure. For different models, we describe the structure of the isofrequency curves, which are sets of parameters leading to sounds presenting the same fundamental frequencies. We show how their shapes determine the relative roles of syringeal tension and air sac pressure in frequency modulation. Finally, we report experiments that allow us to unveil the features of the isofrequency curves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Alonso
- Department of Physics, FCEyN, University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pab I, cp 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franz Goller
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Gabriel B. Mindlin
- Department of Physics, FCEyN, University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pab I, cp 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Riede T, Goller F. Morphological basis for the evolution of acoustic diversity in oscine songbirds. Proc Biol Sci 2014; 281:20132306. [PMID: 24500163 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acoustic properties of vocalizations arise through the interplay of neural control with the morphology and biomechanics of the sound generating organ, but in songbirds it is assumed that the main driver of acoustic diversity is variation in telencephalic motor control. Here we show, however, that variation in the composition of the vibrating tissues, the labia, underlies diversity in one acoustic parameter, fundamental frequency (F0) range. Lateral asymmetry and arrangement of fibrous proteins in the labia into distinct layers is correlated with expanded F0 range of species. The composition of the vibrating tissues thus represents an important morphological foundation for the generation of a broad F0 range, indicating that morphological specialization lays the foundation for the evolution of complex acoustic repertoires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Riede
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, , Salt Lake City, Utah 257 S 1400 E, USA
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21
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Schmidt MF, Martin Wild J. The respiratory-vocal system of songbirds: anatomy, physiology, and neural control. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 212:297-335. [PMID: 25194204 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63488-7.00015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This wide-ranging review presents an overview of the respiratory-vocal system in songbirds, which are the only other vertebrate group known to display a degree of respiratory control during song rivalling that of humans during speech; this despite the fact that the peripheral components of both the respiratory and vocal systems differ substantially in the two groups. We first provide a brief description of these peripheral components in songbirds (lungs, air sacs and respiratory muscles, vocal organ (syrinx), upper vocal tract) and then proceed to a review of the organization of central respiratory-related neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem, the latter having an organization fundamentally similar to that of the ventral respiratory group of mammals. The second half of the review describes the nature of the motor commands generated in a specialized "cortical" song control circuit and how these might engage brainstem respiratory networks to shape the temporal structure of song. We also discuss a bilaterally projecting "respiratory-thalamic" pathway that links the respiratory system to "cortical" song control nuclei. This necessary pathway for song originates in the brainstem's primary inspiratory center and is hypothesized to play a vital role in synchronizing song motor commands both within and across hemispheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc F Schmidt
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - J Martin Wild
- Department of Anatomy with Radiology, School of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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22
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Abstract
In most animals that vocalize, control of fundamental frequency is a key element for effective communication. In humans, subglottal pressure controls vocal intensity but also influences fundamental frequency during phonation. Given the underlying similarities in the biomechanical mechanisms of vocalization in humans and songbirds, songbirds offer an attractive opportunity to study frequency modulation by pressure. Here, we present a novel technique for dynamic control of subsyringeal pressure in zebra finches. By regulating the opening of a custom-built fast valve connected to the air sac system, we achieved partial or total silencing of specific syllables, and could modify syllabic acoustics through more complex manipulations of air sac pressure. We also observed that more nuanced pressure variations over a limited interval during production of a syllable concomitantly affected the frequency of that syllable segment. These results can be explained in terms of a mathematical model for phonation that incorporates a nonlinear description for the vocal source capable of generating the observed frequency modulations induced by pressure variations. We conclude that the observed interaction between pressure and frequency was a feature of the source, not a result of feedback control. Our results indicate that, beyond regulating phonation or its absence, regulation of pressure is important for control of fundamental frequencies of vocalizations. Thus, although there are separate brainstem pathways for syringeal and respiratory control of song production, both can affect airflow and frequency. We hypothesize that the control of pressure and frequency is combined holistically at higher levels of the vocalization pathways.
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Düring DN, Ziegler A, Thompson CK, Ziegler A, Faber C, Müller J, Scharff C, Elemans CPH. The songbird syrinx morphome: a three-dimensional, high-resolution, interactive morphological map of the zebra finch vocal organ. BMC Biol 2013; 11:1. [PMID: 23294804 PMCID: PMC3539882 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Like human infants, songbirds learn their species-specific vocalizations through imitation learning. The birdsong system has emerged as a widely used experimental animal model for understanding the underlying neural mechanisms responsible for vocal production learning. However, how neural impulses are translated into the precise motor behavior of the complex vocal organ (syrinx) to create song is poorly understood. First and foremost, we lack a detailed understanding of syringeal morphology. RESULTS To fill this gap we combined non-invasive (high-field magnetic resonance imaging and micro-computed tomography) and invasive techniques (histology and micro-dissection) to construct the annotated high-resolution three-dimensional dataset, or morphome, of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) syrinx. We identified and annotated syringeal cartilage, bone and musculature in situ in unprecedented detail. We provide interactive three-dimensional models that greatly improve the communication of complex morphological data and our understanding of syringeal function in general. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the syringeal skeleton is optimized for low weight driven by physiological constraints on song production. The present refinement of muscle organization and identity elucidates how apposed muscles actuate different syringeal elements. Our dataset allows for more precise predictions about muscle co-activation and synergies and has important implications for muscle activity and stimulation experiments. We also demonstrate how the syrinx can be stabilized during song to reduce mechanical noise and, as such, enhance repetitive execution of stereotypic motor patterns. In addition, we identify a cartilaginous structure suited to play a crucial role in the uncoupling of sound frequency and amplitude control, which permits a novel explanation of the evolutionary success of songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N Düring
- Verhaltensbiologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Miller-Sims VC, Bottjer SW. Development of auditory-vocal perceptual skills in songbirds. PLoS One 2013; 7:e52365. [PMID: 23285011 PMCID: PMC3527493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Songbirds are one of the few groups of animals that learn the sounds used for vocal communication during development. Like humans, songbirds memorize vocal sounds based on auditory experience with vocalizations of adult “tutors”, and then use auditory feedback of self-produced vocalizations to gradually match their motor output to the memory of tutor sounds. In humans, investigations of early vocal learning have focused mainly on perceptual skills of infants, whereas studies of songbirds have focused on measures of vocal production. In order to fully exploit songbirds as a model for human speech, understand the neural basis of learned vocal behavior, and investigate links between vocal perception and production, studies of songbirds must examine both behavioral measures of perception and neural measures of discrimination during development. Here we used behavioral and electrophysiological assays of the ability of songbirds to distinguish vocal calls of varying frequencies at different stages of vocal learning. The results show that neural tuning in auditory cortex mirrors behavioral improvements in the ability to make perceptual distinctions of vocal calls as birds are engaged in vocal learning. Thus, separate measures of neural discrimination and behavioral perception yielded highly similar trends during the course of vocal development. The timing of this improvement in the ability to distinguish vocal sounds correlates with our previous work showing substantial refinement of axonal connectivity in cortico-basal ganglia pathways necessary for vocal learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa C. Miller-Sims
- Section of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah W. Bottjer
- Section of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Goller F, Riede T. Integrative physiology of fundamental frequency control in birds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 107:230-42. [PMID: 23238240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
One major feature of the remarkable vocal repertoires of birds is the range of fundamental frequencies across species, but also within individual species. This review discusses four variables that determine the oscillation frequency of the vibrating structures within a bird's syrinx. These are (1) viscoelastic properties of the oscillating tissue, (2) air sac pressure, (3) neuromuscular control of movements and (4) source-filter interactions. Our current understanding of morphology, biomechanics and neural control suggests that a complex interplay of these parameters can lead to multiple combinations for generating a particular fundamental frequency. An increase in the complexity of syringeal morphology from non-passeriform birds to oscines also led to a different interplay for regulating oscillation frequency by enabling control of tension that is partially independent of regulation of airflow. In addition to reviewing the available data for all different contributing variables, we point out open questions and possible approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Goller
- Dept. of Biology, Univ. of Utah, 257 South, 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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26
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Riede T, Schilling N, Goller F. The acoustic effect of vocal tract adjustments in zebra finches. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2012; 199:57-69. [PMID: 23085986 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-012-0768-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vocal production in songbirds requires the control of the respiratory system, the syrinx as sound source and the vocal tract as acoustic filter. Vocal tract movements consist of beak, tongue and hyoid movements, which change the volume of the oropharyngeal-esophageal cavity (OEC), glottal movements and tracheal length changes. The respective contributions of each movement to filter properties are not completely understood, but the effects of this filtering are thought to be very important for acoustic communication in birds. One of the most striking movements of the upper vocal tract during vocal behavior in songbirds involves the OEC. This study measured the acoustic effect of OEC adjustments in zebra finches by comparing resonance acoustics between an utterance with OEC expansion (calls) and a similar utterance without OEC expansion (respiratory sounds induced by a bilateral syringeal denervation). X-ray cineradiography confirmed the presence of an OEC motor pattern during song and call production, and a custom-built Hall-effect collar system confirmed that OEC expansion movements were not present during respiratory sounds. The spectral emphasis during zebra finch call production ranging between 2.5 and 5 kHz was not present during respiratory sounds, indicating strongly that it can be attributed to the OEC expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Riede
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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27
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Zollinger SA, Podos J, Nemeth E, Goller F, Brumm H. On the relationship between, and measurement of, amplitude and frequency in birdsong. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Alliende J, Lehongre K, Del Negro C. A species-specific view of song representation in a sensorimotor nucleus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 107:193-202. [PMID: 22960663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Songbirds constitute a powerful model system for the investigation of how complex vocal communication sounds are represented and generated, offering a neural system in which the brain areas involved in auditory, motor and auditory-motor integration are well known. One brain area of considerable interest is the nucleus HVC. Neurons in the HVC respond vigorously to the presentation of the bird's own song and display song-related motor activity. In the present paper, we present a synthesis of neurophysiological studies performed in the HVC of one songbird species, the canary (Serinus canaria). These studies, by taking advantage of the singing behavior and song characteristics of the canary, have examined the neuronal representation of the bird's own song in the HVC. They suggest that breeding cues influence the degree of auditory selectivity of HVC neurons for the bird's own song over its time-reversed version, without affecting the contribution of spike timing to the information carried by these two song stimuli. Also, while HVC neurons are collectively more responsive to forward playback of the bird's own song than to its temporally or spectrally modified versions, some are more broadly tuned, with an auditory responsiveness that extends beyond the bird's own song. Lastly, because the HVC is also involved in song production, we discuss the peripheral control of song production, and suggest that interspecific variations in song production mechanisms could be exploited to improve our understanding of the functional role of the HVC in respiratory-vocal coordination.
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Riede T, Tokuda IT, Farmer CG. Subglottal pressure and fundamental frequency control in contact calls of juvenile Alligator mississippiensis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 214:3082-95. [PMID: 21865521 PMCID: PMC3160820 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.051110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vocalization is rare among non-avian reptiles, with the exception of the crocodilians, the sister taxon of birds. Crocodilians have a complex vocal repertoire. Their vocal and respiratory system is not well understood but appears to consist of a combination of features that are also found in the extremely vocal avian and mammalian taxa. Anatomical studies suggest that the alligator larynx is able to abduct and adduct the vocal folds, but not to elongate or shorten them, and is therefore lacking a key regulator of frequency, yet alligators can modulate fundamental frequency remarkably well. We investigated the morphological and physiological features of sound production in alligators. Vocal fold length scales isometrically across a wide range of alligator body sizes. The relationship between fundamental frequency and subglottal pressure is significant in some individuals at some isolated points, such as call onset and position of maximum fundamental frequency. The relationship is not consistent over large segments of the call. Fundamental frequency can change faster than expected by pressure changes alone, suggesting an active motor pattern controls frequency and is intrinsic to the larynx. We utilized a two-mass vocal fold model to test whether abduction and adduction could generate this motor pattern. The fine-tuned interplay between subglottal pressure and glottal adduction can achieve frequency modulations much larger than those resulting from subglottal pressure variations alone and of similar magnitude, as observed in alligator calls. We conclude that the alligator larynx represents a sound source with only two control parameters (subglottal pressure and vocal fold adduction) in contrast to the mammalian larynx in which three parameters can be altered to modulate frequency (subglottal pressure, vocal fold adduction and length/tension).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Riede
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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30
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Prince B, Riede T, Goller F. Sexual dimorphism and bilateral asymmetry of syrinx and vocal tract in the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). J Morphol 2011; 272:1527-36. [PMID: 22076959 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.11007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic vocal behavior in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) is associated with a 100% larger syrinx in males and other morphological adaptations of the sound source. The songbird syrinx consists of two independent sound sources, whose specialization for different spectral ranges may be reflected in morphological properties, but the morphology of labia and syringeal skeleton have not been investigated for lateralized specializations. Similarly, little is known whether the morphology of the songbird vocal tract reflects differences in vocal behavior. Here, we tested the hypothesis that different vocal behavior and specialization is reflected in the morphology. We investigated syringeal and upper vocal tract morphology of male and female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Female starlings exhibit smaller vocal repertoires and sing at lower rates than males. In males, the left syrinx produces mostly low frequencies, while the right one is used for higher notes. Macroscopic and histological techniques were used to record nineteen measurements from the syrinx and the vocal tract which were tested for sexual differences in syrinx and vocal tract and for lateral asymmetry within the syrinx. Sexually dimorphic vocal behavior is reflected in the morphology of the starling syrinx. Males have a larger syrinx with the size difference attributable to increased muscle mass and three enlarged elements of the syringeal skeleton. The upper vocal tract, however, does not differ between males and females. Distinct lateralization was found in two elements of the syringeal skeleton of females, and the labia in the left syrinx are larger than those on the right in both sexes. The sexual dimorphism of the syringeal size is smaller in starlings (35%) than in zebra finches (100%), which is consistent with the different vocal behavior of females in both species. The morphological differences between the two sound sources are discussed in relation to their vocal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Prince
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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