Neural processing of acoustic signals in a model system: evolutionary changes in a conserved neural circuit

动物的行为是其神经系统的产物。在昆虫中，特定的神经元和神经回路已被证明介导特定的行为。然而，同一物种的个体之间以及密切相关的物种之间的行为是不同的。神经行为学中的一个重要问题是了解行为不同的个体之间神经回路的运作如何不同。我建议解决这个问题，使用蟋蟀的声学行为和神经生物学作为模型系统。声学信号的两个特征，载波频率和振幅调制的时间模式，形成了识别捕食者（回声定位蝙蝠）和同种动物产生的声音的基础。几个神经元，可识别的解剖学和生理学作为独特的细胞，是可识别的个人和跨物种，并牵连在行为反应的板球歌曲和蝙蝠呼叫。我将使用比较的方法来识别那些通过进化和/或通过发展而产生行为差异的神经回路的特征。

The behavior of animals is the product of their nervous systems. In insects, specific neurons and neural circuits have been shown to mediate specific behaviors. Yet behavior differs between individuals of a single species as well as between closely related species. An important issue in neuroethology is to understand how the operation of neural circuits differs between behaviorally different individuals. I propose to address this question using the acoustic behavior and neurobiology of crickets as a model system. Two features of acoustic signals, carrier frequency and the temporal pattern of amplitude modulation, form the basis for identifying sounds produced by predators (echolocating bats) and conspecifics. Several neurons, identifiable by anatomy and physiology as unique cells, are recognizable across individuals and across species and are implicated in behavioral responses to cricket songs and bat calls. I will use a comparative approach to identify those features of neural circuitry that are modified through evolution and/or through development to generate behavioral differences.