Performance variability enables adaptive plasticity of ‘crystallized’ adult birdsong

Evren C. Tumer () and Michael S. Brainard
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Evren C. Tumer: Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Sloan-Swartz Center for Theoretical Neurobiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0444, USA
Michael S. Brainard: Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Sloan-Swartz Center for Theoretical Neurobiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0444, USA

Nature, 2007, vol. 450, issue 7173, 1240-1244

Abstract: The wrong stuff Why is it that even the best-trained athletes and musicians cannot perform perfectly? One thought is that residual variability in performance is 'noise' that reflects fundamental limits on our ability to control our movements. Experiments using the exceptionally well-rehearsed songs of adult songbirds as a model point to an alternative explanation. Computerized monitoring of the apparently stereotyped songs of adult Bengalese finches revealed minuscule variations in performance. When the birds were given corrections each time the song varied beyond a certain limit, they rapidly learned to adapt their vocalizations. The implication is that once learned, songs can be maintained despite subtle changes to the vocal system due to factors such as ageing. So behavioural 'noise', rather than simply being a nuisance, may reflect experimentation by the nervous system to refine performance.

Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.1038/nature06390

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