These two papers were part of a larger collection of Zebra Finch papers in 110(3)
The neurobiology of Zebra Finch song: insights from gene expression studies Sarah E. London A and David F. Clayton A Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA. Email: [email protected], [email protected] Abstract Male Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) sing a unique, stereotyped song that they learn from a tutor during development. A set of interconnected areas of the brain work together so that the birds can perceive, learn and produce song. In this review, we introduce the major components of the song system and describe evidence for how each might contribute to these three aspects of song. In particular, we highlight studies that have measured patterns of gene expression in the song system. These experiments clarify the structural organisation, and reveal functional activities, of the neural system underlying vocal communication. The utility of gene expression studies has been greatly enhanced with the release of the Zebra Finch genome. Investigation of gene expression in the song system will therefore continue to be a powerful way to connect the workings of this neural circuit with the behaviour of song. Zebra Finches sing a soft song that sounds squeaky and cheerful to the human ear and, perhaps, more mechanical than musical. (Richard Zann, 'The Zebra Finch', 1996) Emu 110(3) 219-232 doi:10.1071/MU09079 Submitted: 25 August 2009 Accepted: 12 January 2010 Published: 18 August 2010 The functional role and female perception of male song in Zebra Finches Mark E. Hauber A C, Dana L. M. Campbell A and Sarah M. N. Woolley B A Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, NY 10065, USA. B Department of Psychology, Columbia University, NY 10027, USA. C Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] Abstract The song of male Zebra Finches has been the focus of decades of behavioural, developmental, neurobiological and, increasingly, genomic research. Zann was the first to summarise the immense and integrative research effort in a landmark synthesis of field and laboratory studies of Zebra Finches, which paralleled his own championing work on the sociality and vocal behaviour of estrildid finches in the wild and in captivity. The study of the production and perception of Zebra Finch song has driven theoretical, empirical and technological advances in behavioural ecology, endocrinology and neuroethology, and led to a greater understanding of the evolution of animal communication systems in general. A survey of the literature shows that there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the responses of non-singing females to male sexual displays, including song. We focus on recent insights into the features and functions of male song that shape female choice, regarding both behavioural and neurobiological measures of selectivity. This review underscores the need for continued research into the biological mechanisms underlying the perception of male song by female Zebra Finches and confirms this system as a valuable and productive model for research on animal communication. Keywords: Bengalese Finch, female choice, genome, Lonchura striata vars. domestica, neuroethology, sexual selection, Taeniopygia guttata. Emu 110(3) 209-218 doi:10.1071/MU10003 Submitted: 24 January 2010 Accepted: 20 April 2010 Published: 18 August 2010 DISCLAIMER: This Email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorised review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply Email and destroy all copies as well as the original message. All views expressed in this Email are those of the sender, except where specifically stated otherwise, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Forests NSW.
