Control of Biosonar Behavior by the Auditory Cortex
Abstract
The major aim of this project was to examine, by means of critical lesion experiments, whether the functional organization of the mustached bat's, Pteronotus parnellii, auditory cortex is related to biosonar behavior in the manner inferred from pervious neurophysiological experiments. First, we quantitatively analyzed the behavioral adjustments the bat makes in the frequency, intensity, duration, and rate of emission of its biosonar pulses during target-directed 'flight'. Next, we examined changes in these behavioral adjustments following bilateral ablation of either the entire auditory cortex, or more localized cortical regions. We then focused on the role of the auditory cortex in the perception of biosonar signals. This was accomplished by conditioning the bats to discriminate between biosonar signals that varied along some stimulus parameter (e.g., echo delay) using a leg flexion shock avoidance procedure. We then created of the auditory cortex. Major results of each of these lines of research are described in this report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 21, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA232699
Entities
People
- Nobuo Suga
- Stephen Gaioni
Organizations
- Washington University in St. Louis