Roots of Language in Human and Bird Biology
This article explains how song birds have a specific trait that allows them to communicate the way that they do. This ability is because songbirds have a connection between the front part of their brain and nerves in the brain-stem that control movement in muscles that make songs in bird. These songs can be used to communicate and to call for mates. Mice also have a similar ultrasonic mating call as song birds. This topic is important because humans also have this motor learning pathway for speech. From this research, developed the motor theory for the origin of vocal learning. This theory describes how ancient brain systems, used to control movement and motor learning evolved into brain systems for learning and producing song and also verbal language.
NOS Themes:
NOS Themes:
- Science is collaborative: This article shows this because similar results were shown in other studies done by other scientists .
- Science is based on evidence: This article shows this because it explains how song birds have the same motor pathway in speech as humans and other animals.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130214111604.htm
I found this article very fascinating because I never knew the songs birds would sing, were used for communication. I did some additional research to see what other animals can take part in vocal communication.
ReplyDeleteI learned that even though apes or monkeys aren't capable of 'talking,' certain species such as the Vervet monkeys have three different alarm calls that generate three different responses. Some can even combine their calls to give a message that has a more complex meaning.
Scientist are working to find out why most mammals have the ability to understand human language, but lack the capacity to articulate.
Link:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci/tech/3430481.stm