鸟类鸣唱曲目与复杂性

鸟类的鸣唱是研究性选择和动物声音通讯的良好素材,一般认为鸟类的鸣唱曲目是性选择的结果.本文综述了鸣唱曲目和鸣唱复杂性的实验和理论成果,阐述二者的相关性,曲目和复杂鸣唱产生的解剖学基础及其得以进化形成的功能性原因.曲目和鸣唱的复杂性源于鸟类发声器官特定结构的复杂性和神经系统的协调作用,鸣唱的表现形式同时受多种因子影响,可根据改变的生境进行适应性调节.曲目和多种鸣唱型存在的必要性还在于其功能的多样性,鸟类借助于多种鸣唱型之间的转换,传达了有利于繁殖的多种信息.

BIRD SONG REPERTOIRE AND COMPLEXITY

Bird song represents a best studied model in terms of sexual selection and vocal communication. Bird song repertoire is regarded as the result of sexual selection. This review summarizes our current theoretical and empirical knowledge to expatiate the relationship between song repertoire and complexity, the structure base of their production and the functional causes of their existence. Song repertoire and complexity result from the complexity of certain parts of syrinx under the control of neuron. Meanwhile, song performance is affected by several factors and can be adapted for changing environments. Birds convey information among individuals by altering song types and the sequence of them. Assumingly, song repertoire has six functions, all of which are advantageous to reproduction. It is concluded that study on a certain characteristics within songs should be further stressed.