Article published in:
Avian Cognition and Social InteractionEdited by Irene M. Pepperberg
[Interaction Studies 12:2] 2011
► pp. 351–371
Developmental ecology
Platform for designing a communication system
In this article we provide a case history of the development of a communicative system in songbirds. In particular, we explore how brown-headed cowbirds, male and female, cooperate in the development and use of species-typical song. The goal is to show how social interactions between and within sexes create a platform for the production and perception of song. We consider six perspectives. First, we discuss the nature of the acoustic signal. Second, we look at the process of song learning. Third, we describe a specific song mechanism, social shaping. Fourth, we look at the more general developmental process of neophenogenesis. Fifth, we consider the developmental ecology for social learning. Finally, we describe how social networks measures can be used to capture the nature of social interactions as the engines of song learning. Taken as a whole, we argue that culturally transmitted behaviors structure social interactions that predict the acquisition of species' typical behaviors necessary for successful reproduction.
Published online: 21 July 2011
https://doi.org/10.1075/is.12.2.08wes
https://doi.org/10.1075/is.12.2.08wes
Cited by
Cited by other publications
Ronald, Kelly L., Tasha Skillman, Andy Lin, Qingling Li, Esteban Fernandez-Juricic, Jeffrey R. Lucas & W. Koenig
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 08 august 2018. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.