Neuroethology of invertebrate sound and vibration communication systems

无脊椎动物声音和振动通信系统的神经行为学

• 批准号: 261847-2007
• 负责人: Yack, Jayne
• 金额: $ 2.64万
• 依托单位: Carleton University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2011
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2011-01-01 至 2012-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=480035
• 关键词: Neuroethology; invertebrate; sound; vibration; communication

My research program investigates how animals use their sensory systems to detect and process information from their natural environments. A current focus is on insect hearing and vibration communication. Insects have an amazing diversity of unique sensory organs that can detect and process acoustic signals extending far beyond human sensory capabilities. We will identify and characterize novel acoustic communication systems in butterflies, caterpillars and beetles. My research group uses neurophysiology, laser vibrometry, neuroanatomy, high speed videography, and behavioural experiments to explain how insects interact acoustically with their environment. My laboratory has discovered that many butterflies possess sensitive ears on their wings used for communication and predator detection. We now aim to describe which butterflies have ears, how these ears function physiologically, and what evolutionary processes led to 'new' or 'degenerate' auditory systems. This research will teach us about the sensory ecology of butterflies, many of which are endemic to fragile ecosystems in Canada and worldwide. A second goal is to uncover how caterpillars communicate acoustically. For example, we will study how some species rely on vibrations to space themselves on their host plants, and will identify the sensory organs they use for detecting minute vibrations. We will also study how some larvae, including pest species like the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) and tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), use airborne sounds to avoid predators. A third goal is to identify novel acoustic receptors in different invertebrates, such as bark beetles (Scolytidae), a group that imposes a major threat to the Canadian timber industry. Our research could be implemented in the design of pest control devices that trap insects or interfere with sensory mechanisms involved in feeding or maintaining groups. Understanding the functional organization of acoustic receptors in insects could also lead to innovative developments for miniature sensing devices. Finally, the proposed research will provide background training for students seeking careers in research, the health sciences, teaching, and entomology.

我的研究项目是研究动物如何利用它们的感官系统来探测和处理来自自然环境的信息。目前的研究重点是昆虫的听觉和振动通信。昆虫有多种独特的感觉器官，它们可以探测和处理远远超出人类感官能力的声音信号。我们将在蝴蝶，毛毛虫和甲虫中识别和表征新的声学通信系统。我的研究小组使用神经生理学、激光振动测量学、神经解剖学、高速摄像学和行为实验来解释昆虫如何在声学上与它们的环境相互作用。我的实验室发现，许多蝴蝶的翅膀上都有敏感的耳朵，用于交流和探测捕食者。我们现在的目标是描述哪些蝴蝶有耳朵，这些耳朵在生理上是如何起作用的，以及什么进化过程导致了“新的”或“退化的”听觉系统。这项研究将教会我们蝴蝶的感官生态学，其中许多是加拿大和世界各地脆弱生态系统的特有物种。第二个目标是揭示毛毛虫是如何通过声音进行交流的。例如，我们将研究一些物种如何依靠振动来使自己在宿主植物上间隔，并将识别它们用于探测微小振动的感觉器官。我们还将研究一些幼虫，包括害虫物种，如秋网虫（Hyphantria cunea）和烟草角虫（Manduca sexta），如何利用空气中的声音来躲避捕食者。第三个目标是在不同的无脊椎动物中识别新的声音受体，比如树皮甲虫（脊椎虫科），这一群体对加拿大的木材工业构成了重大威胁。我们的研究可以应用于害虫控制装置的设计，这些装置可以诱捕昆虫或干扰喂食或维持群体的感觉机制。了解昆虫声学受体的功能组织也可能导致微型传感装置的创新发展。最后，建议的研究将为寻求研究、健康科学、教学和昆虫学职业的学生提供背景培训。