Mate call as reward: Acoustic communication signals can acquire positive reinforcing values during adulthood in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2016 |
Authors: |
Alexandra M. Hernandez, Emilie C. Perez, Hervé Mulard, Nicolas Mathevon, Clémentine Vignal |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Publisher: |
American Psychological Association |
Keywords: |
*animal mate selection, *animal mating behavior, *animal vocalizations, *bird song, *female animals, birds, operant conditioning, reinforcement |
ISBN: |
1939-2087(Electronic);0735-7036(Print) |
Abstract:
Social stimuli can have rewarding properties and promote learning. In birds, conspecific vocalizations like song can act as a reinforcer, and specific song variants can acquire particular rewarding values during early life exposure. Here we ask if, during adulthood, an acoustic signal simpler and shorter than song can become a reward for a female songbird because of its particular social value. Using an operant choice apparatus, we showed that female zebra finches display a preferential response toward their mate’s calls. This reinforcing value of mate’s calls could be involved in the maintenance of the monogamous pair-bond of the zebra finch. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)