The Neural Mechanisms of Partent-Embryo Communication

It is known that animals perceive environmental information and transfer information to their environment already before they are born. The development of bird embryos, for instance, can be affected by environmental sounds. Also, while still inside the egg, bird embryos are able to produce sounds that elicit a parental reaction. Surprisingly, we still do not know the mechanisms of this cryptic form of communication.

Besides sound waves in the air, which can be heard, sound production also generates vibrations when the sound waves hit solid surfaces. This project will investigate whether prenatal communication systems rely on vibrations. We will test the hypothesis that prenatal communication using rhythmic vibration is essential for embryonic birds to sense parental cues regarding rising temperatures.

We will measure embryonic perception and response to acoustic signals of their parents, and then experimentally influence family communication systems. We will demonstrate the potential for prenatal avian experience to alter developmental outcomes, enriching our understanding of sensory development. Furthermore, we test whether bird parents are able to hear the sounds their embryos produce inside the egg, to uncover the mechanisms of embryo-to-parent communication.

Using an interdisciplinary approach across captive and field-based tests in natural breeding contexts and employing a classic model songbird species, we seek to evaluate the role of cryptic acoustic and vibratory communication in within-family conflict and co-evolution. Working from neurons to fitness, we will establish the neural bases for the production and perception of rhythmic, high frequency sounds in birds and identify the ecological and evolutionary implication of information transmission within the family, in rapidly changing environments.

This project is done in collaboration with Prof. Kate Buchanan (Deakin University, Australia)