Talk at the Institute of Neurobiology – “Breathing to sing – integration of respiratory and vocal motor control of birdsong.”

Franz Goller – Wednesday, January 14th, at 16:15 (CEST).

Speaker: Franz Goller (Institute for Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology | University of Münster)

Host: Daniel Weiß (UKT & HIH)

Location: Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät Lecture Hall N12, Building E, 3rd Floor

Abstract: Vocal behavior plays an important role in vertebrates, and because it is used in a reproductive context it is subject to natural and sexual selective forces. Vocal behavior is the product of coordinated activity between the respiratory system and the vocal organ. Mammals and birds generate an airstream to set vocal folds into oscillation, and at the same time their vital functions, such as gas exchange, must be met. The role of the respiratory system goes beyond simply supplying the aerodynamic power for vocalizations. Using birds as models, I will give an overview of how the respiratory system contributes to temporal features of song as well as the control of sound frequency and amplitude. Some new data will illustrate how the interaction of respiratory and vocal control also generates certain timbric features of song. These data illustrate the intricate coordination of these Motor systems and provide a framework for investigation of the central control mechanisms. At the same time, they allow us to assess performance levels and therefore become important for ecological and evolutionary considerations.

Guests are cordially invited!