The role of nonlinear dynamics of the syrinx in the vocalizations of a songbird
Abstract
Birdsong is characterized by the modulation of sound properties over a wide range of timescales. Understanding the mechanisms by which the brain organizes this complex temporal behaviour is a central motivation in the study of the song control and learning system. Here we present evidence that, in addition to central neural control, a further level of temporal organization is provided by nonlinear oscillatory dynamics that are intrinsic to the avian vocal organ. A detailed temporal and spectral examination of song of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) reveals a class of rapid song modulations that are consistent with transitions in the dynamical state of the syrinx. Furthermore, in vitro experiments show that the syrinx can produce a sequence of oscillatory states that are both spectrally and temporally complex in response to the slow variation of respiratory or syringeal parameters. As a consequence, simple variations in a small number of neural signals can result in a complex acoustic sequence.
Additional Information
© 1998 Macmillan Publishers Ltd. Received 8 May; accepted 29 June 1998. We thank W. Denk, M. Konishi and S. S.-H. Wang for comments on the manuscript.Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 58107
- DOI
- 10.1038/25725
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20150609-101850753
- Created
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2015-06-09Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-10Created from EPrint's last_modified field