Neuroselection and song learning in birds: species universals in a culturally transmitted behavior

Abstract

Research on avian song learning has been dominated by instructional models of the learning process. An alternative model is presented here which is selective in nature. It postulates extensive pre-encoding of information about species-specific song structure, embodied in innately-specified brain circuitry. Auditory experience operates on this circuitry selectively so that only some of it is preserved. Two types of pre-encoded auditory template are postulated, participating in selective responsiveness of naive young songbirds to conspecific songs and rapid memorization of them. Supporting evidence for this model derives from species-wide universal song features found to recur in many birdsongs that are known to be learned and culturally transmitted. The fact that natural variation is more limited than previously supposed lends credence to the applicability of neuroselection models to avian song learning.