| Description |
The interplay of genetically encoded and learned components in the development of the learned vocal signals of birdsong and human speech in not fully understood (Forstmeier et al, 2009). The fact that song is a learned vocal behavior does not imply the lack of a genetic basis in acquiring vocalizations, as retention of characteristic song features remains even in the absence of learning (Price, 1979, Zann, 1996). A review of learned and genetic factors in oscine birdsong determined that diverse factors such as critical periods, self-perception, social conditions, morphology, and Physiology all affect vocal development. However, the interaction of learned and genetic factors affecting oscine birdsong remained unclear. An experiment investigating whether certain acoustic parameters are genetically controlled was performed on isolate song syllables from three zebra finch (Taenipygia guttata) populations: one from Utah, one from California, and a F2 population. Acoustic components with no significant differences among the populations were interpreted as being innately controlled, while differences between the parent populations with an intermediate distribution of F2 syllables were interpreted as being genetically controlled. It was concluded that for some acoustic parameters, complex interactive patterns between inherited and learned factors exist. Birdsong is neither a completely learned behavior nor a simple genetically controlled trait, a complex sensorimotor behavior influenced by many learned and genetic factors. Establishing which speciffic acoustic parameters are genetically controlled allows for the study of quantitative genetic factors, such as morphology and neuromuscular control, through analysis of these specific acsoustic song parameters. |
