Mastering communication

• Applicant: Dr. Ahana Fernandez
• Subject Area: Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 556150312

The ability to acquire sounds through imitation (vocal production learning) is a prerequisite for language acquisition and a key factor in the evolution of human language. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and key factors that shape and influence this ability, particularly because vocal production learning (VPL) is rare in non-human mammals. The neotropical greater sac-winged bat Saccopteryx bilineata is an exceptionally communicative species capable of VPL. During ontogeny, pups learn part of their adult vocal repertoire by imitating the songs of adult males. Interestingly, this learning process is expressed in a conspicuous vocal practice behaviour, called "pup babbling". This behavioural expression of learning processes offers a unique opportunity to investigate and quantify which factors influence VPL. With this proposal, I intend to establish a research programme that investigates mammalian VPL in a holistic approach and to implement this with five main objectives. Since VPL is a special form of social learning, studies in a natural environment are crucial. The first aim is to investigate the influence of social feedback and social interactions on the learning process and vocal development of pups. The second aim will investigate how the acoustic environment and individual learning strategies affect VPL and vocal development. In both aims, data will be collected from wild animals in their natural environment and the role of the hormones - oxytocin (in mothers providing social feedback) and prolactin (in adult males providing acoustic input) - will be investigated in addition. The third aim is to investigate the limitations and flexibility of the VPL ability in S. bilineata by implementing playback experiments in temporary captivity. Aim four adds another dimension to the project by investigating the neuromolecular foundations of VPL. The babbling behaviour of pups and the song of adult males are ideal for investigating the role of specific genes during vocal learning and the production of learned vocalisations as adults. Comparatively, I will study the same genes in a bat species of the same family whose song is not acquired through learning. Finally, as aim Five, I intend to conduct long-term studies in S. bilineata to investigate the effects of the early learning environment (pups from aims 1&2) on reproductive success later in life by following focal individuals over consecutive years. This multidisciplinary project will make a significant contribution to the study of mammalian VPL by holistically investigating vocal learning in the wild and in temporary captivity.

• DFG Programme: Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Groups