ACOUSTIC BEHAVIOR--NEURAL AND COMPARATIVE BASES

我们正在研究听觉基础上的神经行为机制。 在蟋蟀中的功能和交流，因为这些昆虫可以作为 一个理解高等动物听力的模型系统。我们是 研究蟋蟀如何区分潜在的配偶和竞争对手，以及 它们如何根据声音信号探测和躲避捕食者。这个 板球的听觉行为和神经通路的简单性允许 听觉信息如何处理和翻译的细胞分析 转变为适应性行为。众所周知的声学惊吓反应 哺乳动物的ASR与飞行的超声ASR有许多相似之处 蟋蟀。此外，蟋蟀的ASR可以作为模型系统来使用 研究通常研究的听觉加工机制 在哺乳动物的听觉中，如优先效应、习惯化、 脉冲前抑制、敏化和分类知觉。在 板球，这一过程背后的神经基础由许多 更简单的神经系统。 行为可塑性发生在试镜中，很可能涉及 神经调节机制。板球听觉的简单性 系统，以及我们对神经中细胞关系的知识 网络底层试听，提供可访问的实验系统 用于研究细胞听觉的神经调节 水平。蟋蟀的听觉行为可以通过操纵来改变 指刺激条件；生物胺参与的程度 在调节中，行为可塑性将被研究。 听觉在昆虫中进化了许多次，并产生了丰富的 一种新的听觉机制，用于检测和定向 声源。鼓室听力最近在一种声学上被发现 寄生苍蝇。其听力器官的结构和功能面临挑战 我们对耳朵如何从声音中提取方向信息的理解 声源。有机会了解其他物种是如何解决这种 主要问题是进行比较研究的根本好处 听证，这些可能会导致洞察到 听证。

We are investigating the neurobehavioral mechanisms that underlie auditory function and communication in crickets because these insects can serve as a model systems for understanding audition in higher animals. We are studying how crickets discriminate among potential mates and rivals, and how they detect and avoid predators, on the basis of acoustic signals. The simplicity of a cricket's auditory behavior and neural pathways permits a cellular analysis of how auditory information is processed and translated into adaptive behavioral acts. The well-known acoustic startle response (ASR) of mammals has numerous parallels in the ultrasound ASR of flying crickets. Moreover, the AsR in crickets can serve as a model system to investigate mechanisms of auditory processing that are ordinarily studied in mammalian audition, such as the precedence effect, habituation, prepulse inhibition, sensitization, and categorical perception. In the cricket, the neural basis underlying this processing is subserved by much simpler neural systems. Behavioral plasticity occurs in audition and likely involves neuromodulatory mechanisms. The simplicity of the cricket's auditory system, and our knowledge of the cellular relationships in the neural network underlying audition, provides an accessible experimental system for the investigation of neuromodulation of audition at the cellular level. The auditory behavior of crickets can be modified by manipulation of stimulus conditions; the extent to which biogenic amines are involved in modulating behavioral plasticity will be investigated. Hearing has evolved many times in insects and has produced a wealth of novel auditory mechanisms for both the detection and directionality of a sound source. Tympanal hearing has recently been found in an acoustic parasitoid fly. The structure and function of its hearing organ challenges our understanding of how an ear extracts directional information from a sound source. The opportunity to learn how other species solve such a primary problem is a fundamental benefit of making comparative studies of hearing, and these may lead to insights that touch basic issues in hearing.