Social and auditory experience shapes forebrain responsiveness in zebra finches before the sensitive period of vocal learning.

ABSTRACT: 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 explored 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 with only the non-singing mother from 2 days post-hatch. Then, 1-5 days after fledging, we conducted behavioral experiment

SUBMITTER: Schroeder KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11529884 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature