Schipper, Tim (2022) Functional explanations for the use of vocal mimicry in songbirds. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.
|
Text
bBIO_2022_SchipperT.pdf Download (509kB) | Preview |
|
![[img]](https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
toestemming.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (119kB) |
Abstract
Songbirds use their song mainly for two purposes: repelling rivals and attracting mates. There is a lot of variation in the song learning process of songbirds. Vocal mimicry is found in many species but its function causes still a lot of debate. In this paper, multiple functional hypotheses are summarised. The main functions can be distinguished into five categories: Avoid competition, avoid predation, forage more efficiently, brood parasitism and sexual selection. The possibility that a songbird gains no advantage out of the mimicry is not excluded as it can be arise from mistakenly learning or ecological convergence. Some examples seem to be strong evidence towards one of the hypotheses, but it is not comprehensive as there is clearly a lack of empirical research. Mainly on the development and production is more research needed in order to understand the underlying mechanisms and acquisition of vocal mimicry.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Verhulst, S. |
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Bachelor's Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Aug 2022 10:01 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Aug 2022 10:01 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/28549 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |