Publication
Title
In vivo assessment of the neural substrate linked with vocal imitation accuracy
Author
Abstract
Human speech and bird song are acoustically complex communication signals that are learned by imitation during a sensitive period early in life. Although the brain areas indispensable for speech and song learning are known, the neural circuits important for enhanced or reduced vocal performance remain unclear. By combining in vivo structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging with song analyses in juvenile male zebra finches during song learning and beyond, we reveal that song imitation accuracy correlates with the structural architecture of four distinct brain areas, none of which pertain to the song control system. Furthermore, the structural properties of a secondary auditory area in the left hemisphere, are capable to predict future song copying accuracy, already at the earliest stages of learning, before initiating vocal practicing. These findings appoint novel brain regions important for song learning outcome and inform that ultimate performance in part depends on factors experienced before vocal practicing.
Language
English
Source (journal)
eLife
Related dataset(s)
Publication
2020
ISSN
2050-084X
DOI
10.7554/ELIFE.49941
Volume/pages
(2020) , p. 1-25
Article Reference
e49941
ISI
000521582000001
Pubmed ID
32196456
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Unraveling the interaction between testosterone and thyroid hormones and their impact on seasonal changes in the songbird brain.
Learning and brain plasticity: a three levels approach.
Resolution improvement of diffusion MRI images through model based and numeric-symbolic reconstruction.
Unraveling the effect of thyroid hormones on seasonal neuroplasticity in the song control system of adult songbirds.
Hormones and neuroplasticity: image guided discoveries of molecular mechanisms in neuroplasticity (PLASTOSCINE).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 05.05.2020
Last edited 02.12.2024
To cite this reference