fMRI Reveals a Novel Region for Evaluating Acoustic Information for Mate Choice in a Female Songbird

Current Biology : CB
Lisbeth Van RuijsseveltAnnemie Van der Linden

Abstract

Selection of sexual partners is among the most critical decisions that individuals make and is therefore strongly shaped by evolution. In social species, where communication signals can convey substantial information about the identity, state, or quality of the signaler, accurate interpretation of communication signals for mate choice is crucial. Despite the importance of social information processing, to date, relatively little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to sexual decision making and preferences. In this study, we used a combination of whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), immediate early gene expression, and behavior tests to identify the circuits that are important for the perception and evaluation of courtship songs in a female songbird, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Female zebra finches are sensitive to subtle differences in male song performance and strongly prefer the longer, faster, and more stereotyped courtship songs to non-courtship renditions. Using BOLD fMRI and EGR1 expression assays, we uncovered a novel region involved in auditory perceptual decision making located in a sensory integrative region of the avian central nidopallium outside the traditio...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 11, 2019·The European Journal of Neuroscience·Masahiro IndaKotaro Oka
Sep 2, 2020·Integrative and Comparative Biology·Elisabetta Tolla, Tyler J Stevenson
Jan 17, 2020·Scientific Reports·Noemi RookChristian Beste
May 9, 2019·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Matthew I M LouderMark E Hauber
Nov 19, 2020·The European Journal of Neuroscience·Masahiro IndaKotaro Oka
Apr 9, 2021·PLoS Computational Biology·Avishek PaulSarah C Woolley
May 11, 2021·Integrative and Comparative Biology·Jenny Y SungNathan I Morehouse
Aug 28, 2021·Current Biology : CB·Helena J BarrSarah C Woolley
Sep 7, 2021·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Ella Z LattenkampUwe Firzlaff

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