Early-life experiences with signals used in communication are instrumental in shaping an animal's social interactions. In songbirds, which use vocalizations for guiding social interactions and mate choice, recent studies show that sensory effects on development occur earlier than previously expected, even in embryos and nestlings. Here, we explore the neural dynamics underlying experience-dependent song categorization in young birds prior to the traditionally studied sensitive period of vocal learning that begins around 3 weeks post-hatch. We raised zebra finches either with their biological parents, cross-fostered by Bengalese finches beginning at embryonic day 9, or by only the non-singing mother from 2 days post-hatch. Then, 1-5 days after fledging, we conducted behavioral experiments and extracellular recordings in the auditory forebrain to test responses to zebra finch and Bengalese finch songs. Auditory forebrain neurons in cross-fostered and isolate birds showed increases in firing rate and decreases in responsiveness and selectivity. In cross-fostered birds, decreases in responsiveness and selectivity relative to white noise were specific to conspecific song stimuli, which paralleled behavioral attentiveness to conspecific songs in those same birds. This study shows that auditory and social experience can already impact song ‘type’ processing in the brains of nestlings, and that brain changes at this age can portend the effects of natal experience in adults.
Social and auditory experience shapes forebrain responsiveness in zebra finches before the sensitive period of vocal learning
Call for Papers: The Integrative Biology of the Gut. Guest Editors Carol Bucking, Matt Regan and John Terblanche
We are pleased to welcome submissions for our upcoming Special Issue: The Integrative Biology of the Gut . We are calling for forward-looking papers that address the functional roles of the gut. We will consider papers that address gut function from the cellular level to its interactions with other organs and tissues, including its role in diverse ecophysiological processes, spanning both vertebrate and invertebrate species. The deadline for submission to this issue is 1 October 2024.
Sensory perception in a changing world – join us in Liverpool in March 2025
We are excited to invite you to a unique scientific conference, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of The Company of Biologists, and bringing together our different communities. The conference will incorporate the JEB Symposium Sensory Perception in a Changing World and the SEB satellite meeting. Find out more and register to join us in March 2025 in Liverpool, UK. Submit your abstract by 13 December 2024. Early-bird registration ends on 17 January 2025.
Extraordinary creatures: raptors
In our new Conversation focusing on extraordinary creatures, Simon Potier tells us about raptors, from peregrine falcons and eagles to vultures and owls, discussing their lifestyles, incredible sensory abilities and conservation successes.
Ultraviolet radiation: a neglected stressor
Although ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is pervasive and can alter the effects of other stressors in the environment, ecophysiologists rarely discuss or include UVR in their experimental design. In this Commentary, Coen Hird and colleagues provide a guide for experimental biologists to better understand if, when, and how UVR can be integrated into study designs to improve the ecological realism of their research.
Turkey vultures defy thin air by flying faster
Turkey vultures successfully fly at high altitude despite the challenge of generating lift in thin air, but how? Jonathan Rader & Ty Hedrick discovered that the birds fly 1m/s faster at 2200m than at sea level to generate sufficient lift to remain aloft.
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