Neuronal populations and single cells representing learned auditory objects.

ABSTRACT: The neural representations associated with learned auditory behaviours, such as recognizing individuals based on their vocalizations, are not well described. Higher vertebrates learn to recognize complex conspecific vocalizations that comprise sequences of easily identified, naturally occurring auditory objects, which should facilitate the analysis of higher auditory pathways. Here we describe the first example of neurons selective for learned conspecific vocalizations in adult animals--in starlings that have been trained operantly to recognize conspecific songs. The neuronal population is found in a non-primary forebrain auditory region, exhibits increased responses to the set of learned songs compared with novel songs, and shows differential responses to categories of learned songs based

SUBMITTER: Gentner TQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2631575 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature