ACOUSTIC BEHAVIOR--NEURAL AND COMPARATIVE BASES

我们正在研究听觉的神经行为机制 因为这些昆虫可以作为 一个理解高等动物听觉的模型系统。我们 研究蟋蟀如何区分潜在的配偶和竞争对手， 它们如何根据声音信号探测和躲避捕食者。的 蟋蟀的听觉行为和神经通路的简单性使得 听觉信息如何被处理和翻译的细胞分析 转化为适应性行为众所周知的声音惊吓反应 (ASR)在超声波ASR中， 蟋蟀此外，蟋蟀的AsR可以作为一个模型系统， 研究通常被研究的听觉处理机制 在哺乳动物听觉中，例如优先效应，习惯化， 前脉冲抑制、敏化和分类知觉。在 板球，这种处理背后的神经基础是由许多 更简单的神经系统 行为可塑性发生在听觉中， 神经调节机制蟋蟀听觉的简单性 系统，以及我们对神经系统中细胞关系的了解， 网络底层试听，提供了一个可访问的实验系统 用于研究听觉的神经调节， 水平蟋蟀的听觉行为可以通过操纵来改变 刺激条件;生物胺参与的程度 在调节行为可塑性方面的作用。 昆虫的听觉经历了多次进化， 新的听觉机制的检测和方向性， 声源鼓膜听力最近被发现在一个声学 寄生蝇其听觉器官的结构和功能挑战 我们对耳朵如何从声音中提取方向信息的理解 声源有机会学习其他物种如何解决这样的问题， 主要问题是进行比较研究的一个基本好处， 听，这些可能会导致洞察力，触及基本问题， 听证会

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.