Neuroethology of invertebrate sound and vibration communication systems

无脊椎动物声音和振动通信系统的神经行为学

• 批准号: 261847-2007
• 负责人: Yack, Jayne
• 金额: $ 2.64万
• 依托单位: Carleton University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2008-01-01 至 2009-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=395262
• 关键词: Neuroethology; invertebrate; sound; vibration; communication

My research program investigates how animals use their sensory systems to detect and process information from their natural environments. A current focus is on insect hearing and vibration communication. Insects have an amazing diversity of unique sensory organs that can detect and process acoustic signals extending far beyond human sensory capabilities. We will identify and characterize novel acoustic communication systems in butterflies, caterpillars and beetles. My research group uses neurophysiology, laser vibrometry, neuroanatomy, high speed videography, and behavioural experiments to explain how insects interact acoustically with their environment. My laboratory has discovered that many butterflies possess sensitive ears on their wings used for communication and predator detection. We now aim to describe which butterflies have ears, how these ears function physiologically, and what evolutionary processes led to 'new' or 'degenerate' auditory systems. This research will teach us about the sensory ecology of butterflies, many of which are endemic to fragile ecosystems in Canada and worldwide. A second goal is to uncover how caterpillars communicate acoustically. For example, we will study how some species rely on vibrations to space themselves on their host plants, and will identify the sensory organs they use for detecting minute vibrations. We will also study how some larvae, including pest species like the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) and tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), use airborne sounds to avoid predators. A third goal is to identify novel acoustic receptors in different invertebrates, such as bark beetles (Scolytidae), a group that imposes a major threat to the Canadian timber industry. Our research could be implemented in the design of pest control devices that trap insects or interfere with sensory mechanisms involved in feeding or maintaining groups. Understanding the functional organization of acoustic receptors in insects could also lead to innovative developments for miniature sensing devices. Finally, the proposed research will provide background training for students seeking careers in research, the health sciences, teaching, and entomology.

我的研究计划调查了动物如何使用其感觉系统从其自然环境中检测和处理信息。当前的重点是昆虫听力和振动通信。 昆虫具有独特的感觉器官的惊人多样性，可以检测和处理声学信号远远超出人类感觉能力。我们将确定并表征蝴蝶，毛毛虫和甲虫中新型的声学通信系统。 我的研究小组使用神经生理学，激光振动法，神经解剖学，高速视频和行为实验来解释昆虫如何与环境相互作用。 我的实验室发现，许多蝴蝶在用于交流和捕食者检测的翅膀上具有敏感的耳朵。 现在，我们旨在描述哪些蝴蝶有耳朵，这些耳朵在生理上的功能以及哪些进化过程导致了“新”或“退化”的听觉系统。这项研究将教会我们有关蝴蝶的感官生态，其中许多是加拿大和全球脆弱的生态系统的特有。 第二个目标是揭示毛毛虫的传感方式。 例如，我们将研究一些物种如何依靠振动将自己的宿主植物置于宿主植物上，并确定他们用于检测微小振动的感觉器官。 我们还将研究一些幼虫，包括诸如秋季web虫（杂种虫）和烟草虫（Manduca sexta）之类的虫害物种，使用空气寄生的声音避免捕食者。 第三个目标是确定不同无脊椎动物的新型声学受体，例如树皮甲虫（Scolytidae），该组织对加拿大木材行业构成了重大威胁。 我们的研究可以在虫害控制设备的设计中实施，该设备捕获昆虫或干扰参与喂养或维护组涉及的感觉机制。 了解昆虫中声受体的功能组织也可能导致微型传感设备的创新发展。 最后，拟议的研究将为寻求研究，健康科学，教学和昆虫学职业的学生提供背景培训。