A recent study by researchers at New York University explored the neural mechanisms behind vocalizations in budgerigars and zebra finches. By implanting electrodes in specific brain areas, they monitored neuronal activity during normal vocal behaviors. They found zebra finches used a timing-based organization in neuron activity similar to a player piano, while budgerigars displayed a mechanism whereby neuron groups activated based on sound harmonicity. This study sheds light on the complexity of avian vocal control and highlights significant differences in brain activity linked to song production across species.
The study reveals different neural strategies for vocalization in budgerigars and zebra finches, with distinct patterns of activity correlated to their unique songs.
Zebra finch song production relies on a timing-based pattern in neuronal activity, functioning like a player piano with different configurations of neurons activating sequentially.
Budgerigars exhibit a distinct neural mechanism where groups of neurons are active based on the harmonic or noisy quality of their warbles.
Yang and Long found that while pitch is represented by specific neuron groups, only about half of the neurons in the area are linked to pitch.
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