Chapter 25 - Marmosets in Auditory Research

Abstract

Marmosets have become an important model system in biomedical research. Because of their rich vocal behaviors, marmosets are also of particular interest to those studying behavioral and neural mechanisms related to hearing and vocal communication. Here we summarize the past several decades of research into the marmoset auditory system, including perceptual abilities, the anatomy and physiology of the marmoset auditory pathway, commonly used methods in marmoset auditory research, and, finally, select topics in marmoset auditory neuroscience. Although much of what we know about the marmoset auditory system is similar to that of both humans and other nonhuman primates, marmosets have contributed to significant advances in our understanding of auditory coding mechanisms. Many new and upcoming research methods have shown promise in marmosets, positioning them as a research model that will continue to provide invaluable insights into the mechanisms of both hearing and human speech.