Birdsong: motor function and the evolution of communication
Published
Journal Article
Communication differs from other behaviors in the potential for an arbitrary relationship between a signal's function and the motor patterns used to produce it. Also, signals often incorporate motor patterns that have been co-opted from non-signal behaviors, resulting in a linkage between communication and other behaviors using the same functional systems. We examine possible evolutionary consequences of these attributes of communication, using birdsong as a focus. Syringeal function provides a case where co-adaptation with other behaviors is weak. By contrast, functional systems of the vocal tract have evolved in response to competing influences of divergent selective pressures. © 1992.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Nowicki, S; Westneat, M; Hoese, W
Published Date
- January 1, 1992
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 4 / 6
Start / End Page
- 385 - 390
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1044-5765
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/1044-5765(92)90046-5
Citation Source
- Scopus