Location

Erich Jarvis, one of the most distinguished experts on the genetics of vocal learning, will give a talk entitled "Evolution of Brain Systems for Vocal Learning" on June 27, 8:00PM in the Lillie Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Massachusetts, U.S.

Abstract: Vocal learning is a critical behavioral substrate for spoken human language. It is a rare trait found in three distantly related groups of birds—songbirds, hummingbirds, and parrots. These avian groups have remarkably similar systems of cerebral vocal nuclei for the control of learned vocalizations that are not found in their more closely related vocal non-learning relatives, and that share some similarities to brain pathways for spoken language in humans. These findings led to the hypothesis that brain pathways for vocal learning in different groups evolved independently from a common ancestor but under pre-existing constraints. We believe we have discovered the constraint, a pre-existing motor pathway. We found that all cerebral vocal learning nuclei in vocal learning birds are adjacent to discrete brain areas active for limb and body movements. These motor areas are connected in a network in parallel with the adjacent vocal learning system, but one that controls limb and body movements. These motor areas are also present in vocal non-learning animals. Based upon our findings, we propose a motor theory for the origin of vocal learning, this being that brain areas specialized for vocal learning in vocal learners evolved as a specialization of a pre-existing motor pathway that controls movement.

More info via http://www.mbl.edu/events/events_friday_06_27_08.html