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Behaviourally driven gene expression reveals song nuclei in hummingbird brain.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Jarvis, ED; Ribeiro, S; da Silva, ML; Ventura, D; Vielliard, J; Mello, CV
Published in: Nature
August 10, 2000

Hummingbirds have developed a wealth of intriguing features, such as backwards flight, ultraviolet vision, extremely high metabolic rates, nocturnal hibernation, high brain-to-body size ratio and a remarkable species-specific diversity of vocalizations. Like humans, they have also developed the rare trait of vocal learning, this being the ability to acquire vocalizations through imitation rather than instinct. Here we show, using behaviourally driven gene expression in freely ranging tropical animals, that the forebrain of hummingbirds contains seven discrete structures that are active during singing, providing the first anatomical and functional demonstration of vocal nuclei in hummingbirds. These structures are strikingly similar to seven forebrain regions that are involved in vocal learning and production in songbirds and parrots--the only other avian orders known to be vocal learners. This similarity is surprising, as songbirds, parrots and hummingbirds are thought to have evolved vocal learning and associated brain structures independently, and it indicates that strong constraints may influence the evolution of forebrain vocal nuclei.

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Published In

Nature

DOI

ISSN

0028-0836

Publication Date

August 10, 2000

Volume

406

Issue

6796

Start / End Page

628 / 632

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Vocalization, Animal
  • Transcription Factors
  • Prosencephalon
  • General Science & Technology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Feeding Behavior
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Brain Mapping
  • Brain
  • Birds
 

Citation

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Jarvis, E. D., Ribeiro, S., da Silva, M. L., Ventura, D., Vielliard, J., & Mello, C. V. (2000). Behaviourally driven gene expression reveals song nuclei in hummingbird brain. Nature, 406(6796), 628–632. https://doi.org/10.1038/35020570
Jarvis, E. D., S. Ribeiro, M. L. da Silva, D. Ventura, J. Vielliard, and C. V. Mello. “Behaviourally driven gene expression reveals song nuclei in hummingbird brain.Nature 406, no. 6796 (August 10, 2000): 628–32. https://doi.org/10.1038/35020570.
Jarvis ED, Ribeiro S, da Silva ML, Ventura D, Vielliard J, Mello CV. Behaviourally driven gene expression reveals song nuclei in hummingbird brain. Nature. 2000 Aug 10;406(6796):628–32.
Jarvis, E. D., et al. “Behaviourally driven gene expression reveals song nuclei in hummingbird brain.Nature, vol. 406, no. 6796, Aug. 2000, pp. 628–32. Pubmed, doi:10.1038/35020570.
Jarvis ED, Ribeiro S, da Silva ML, Ventura D, Vielliard J, Mello CV. Behaviourally driven gene expression reveals song nuclei in hummingbird brain. Nature. 2000 Aug 10;406(6796):628–632.
Journal cover image

Published In

Nature

DOI

ISSN

0028-0836

Publication Date

August 10, 2000

Volume

406

Issue

6796

Start / End Page

628 / 632

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Vocalization, Animal
  • Transcription Factors
  • Prosencephalon
  • General Science & Technology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Feeding Behavior
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Brain Mapping
  • Brain
  • Birds