Developmental determinants of structure in zebra finch song.

Abstract

Zebra finches [Taeniopygia guttata] possess highly organized species-uniform song structure. Song determinants were explored by a series of studies in which young birds were reared in social contact with zebra finch adults, reared in isolation from adult song, deafened early in life, tutored by zebra finch males they could not see, and tutored with sounds other than zebra finch song. The main song determinants may be learning, which probably determines song structure accurately for a limited number of generations; inherited neuromotor constraints that specify basic temporal patterning within song; and infusion of developmentally conservative call and noncall isolate note types into song. Limitations on song development imposed by effector organs are relatively permissive, and the role of inherited auditory specifications (template) is uncertain.