Prenatal auditory learning in avian vocal learners and non-learners

Diane Colombelli-Négrel, Mark E. Hauber, Christine Evans, Andrew C. Katsis, Lyanne Brouwer, Nicolas M. Adreani, Sonia Kleindorfer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Understanding when learning begins is critical for identifying the factors that shape both the developmental course and the function of information acquisition. Until recently, sufficient development of the neural substrates for any sort of vocal learning to begin in songbirds was thought to be reached well after hatching. New research shows that embryonic gene activation and the outcome of vocal learning can be modulated by sound exposure in ovo. We tested whether avian embryos across lineages differ in their auditory response strength and sound learning in ovo, which we studied in vocal learning (Maluridae, Geospizidae) and vocal non-learning (Phasianidae, Spheniscidae) taxa. While measuring heart rate in ovo, we exposed embryos to (i) conspecific or heterospecific vocalizations, to determine their response strength, and (ii) conspecific vocalizations repeatedly, to quantify cardiac habituation, a form of non-associative learning. Response strength towards conspecific vocalizations was greater in two species with vocal production learning compared to two species without. Response patterns consistent with non-associative auditory learning occurred in all species. Our results demonstrate a capacity to perceive and learn to recognize sounds in ovo, as evidenced by habituation, even in species that were previously assumed to have little, if any, vocal production learning. This article is part of the theme issue 'Vocal learning in animals and humans'.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number20200247
JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Volume376
Issue number1836
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 25 2021

Keywords

  • embryonic discrimination
  • in ovo learning
  • playback

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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