Behaviourally driven gene expression reveals song nuclei in hummingbird brain.
Nature
; 406(6796): 628-32, 2000 Aug 10.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-10949303
ABSTRACT
Hummingbirds have developed a wealth of intriguing features, such as backwards flight, ultraviolet vision, extremely high metabolic rates, nocturnal hibernation, high brain-to-body size ratio and a remarkable species-specific diversity of vocalizations. Like humans, they have also developed the rare trait of vocal learning, this being the ability to acquire vocalizations through imitation rather than instinct. Here we show, using behaviourally driven gene expression in freely ranging tropical animals, that the forebrain of hummingbirds contains seven discrete structures that are active during singing, providing the first anatomical and functional demonstration of vocal nuclei in hummingbirds. These structures are strikingly similar to seven forebrain regions that are involved in vocal learning and production in songbirds and parrots--the only other avian orders known to be vocal learners. This similarity is surprising, as songbirds, parrots and hummingbirds are thought to have evolved vocal learning and associated brain structures independently, and it indicates that strong constraints may influence the evolution of forebrain vocal nuclei.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Vocalização Animal
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Aves
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Encéfalo
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Regulação da Expressão Gênica
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Nature
Ano de publicação:
2000
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos