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Gagliardo A, Pollonara E, Casini G, Bingman VP. Unilateral hippocampal lesions and the navigational performance of homing pigeons as revealed by GPS-tracking. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2022.2152105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gagliardo
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Verner P. Bingman
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
- J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
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Gagliardo A, Pollonara E, Wikelski M. The homing pigeons’ olfactory map is affected by geographical barriers. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2021.1878280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gagliardo
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via A. Volta 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Enrica Pollonara
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via A. Volta 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department for Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Am Obstberg 1, Radolfzell 78315, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78457, Germany
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Bonadonna F, Gagliardo A. Not only pigeons: avian olfactory navigation studied by satellite telemetry. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2021.1871967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bonadonna
- CEFE-CNRS, University of Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, University Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
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Identifying volatile organic compounds used for olfactory navigation by homing pigeons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15879. [PMID: 32985543 PMCID: PMC7523013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72525-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bird species have the ability to navigate home after being brought to a remote, even unfamiliar location. Environmental odours have been demonstrated to be critical to homeward navigation in over 40 years of experiments, yet the chemical identity of the odours has remained unknown. In this study, we investigate potential chemical navigational cues by measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs): at the birds' home-loft; in selected regional forest environments; and from an aircraft at 180 m. The measurements showed clear regional, horizontal and vertical spatial gradients that can form the basis of an olfactory map for marine emissions (dimethyl sulphide, DMS), biogenic compounds (terpenoids) and anthropogenic mixed air (aromatic compounds), and temporal changes consistent with a sea-breeze system. Air masses trajectories are used to examine GPS tracks from released birds, suggesting that local DMS concentrations alter their flight directions in predictable ways. This dataset reveals multiple regional-scale real-world chemical gradients that can form the basis of an olfactory map suitable for homing pigeons.
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Hoke KL, Adkins-Regan E, Bass AH, McCune AR, Wolfner MF. Co-opting evo-devo concepts for new insights into mechanisms of behavioural diversity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/8/jeb190058. [PMID: 30988051 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.190058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We propose that insights from the field of evolutionary developmental biology (or 'evo-devo') provide a framework for an integrated understanding of the origins of behavioural diversity and its underlying mechanisms. Towards that goal, in this Commentary, we frame key questions in behavioural evolution in terms of molecular, cellular and network-level properties with a focus on the nervous system. In this way, we highlight how mechanistic properties central to evo-devo analyses - such as weak linkage, versatility, exploratory mechanisms, criticality, degeneracy, redundancy and modularity - affect neural circuit function and hence the range of behavioural variation that can be filtered by selection. We outline why comparative studies of molecular and neural systems throughout ontogeny will provide novel insights into diversity in neural circuits and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L Hoke
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Elizabeth Adkins-Regan
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andrew H Bass
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Amy R McCune
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Bingman VP. Requiem for a heavyweight – can anything more be learned from homing pigeons about the sensory and spatial-representational basis of avian navigation? J Exp Biol 2018; 221:221/20/jeb163089. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.163089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The homing pigeon (Columba livia) has long served as a study species to exhaustively investigate the sensory and spatial (map)-representational mechanisms that guide avian navigation. However, several factors have contributed to recent questioning of whether homing pigeons are as valuable as they once were as a general model for the study of the sensory and map-like, spatial-representational mechanisms of avian navigation. These reservations include: the success of this research program in unveiling navigational mechanisms; the burgeoning of new tracking technologies making navigational experiments on long-distance migratory and other wild birds much more accessible; the almost complete loss of the historically dominant, large-scale pigeon loft/research facilities; and prohibitive university per diem costs as well as animal care and use restrictions. Nevertheless, I propose here that there remain good prospects for homing pigeon research that could still profoundly influence how one understands aspects of avian navigation beyond sensory mechanisms and spatial-representational strategies. Indeed, research into neural mechanisms and brain organization, social/personality influences and genetics of navigation all offer opportunities to take advantage of the rich spatial behavior repertoire and experimental convenience of homing pigeons. Importantly, research in these areas would not necessarily require the large number of birds typically used in the past to study the sensory guidance of navigation. For those of us who have had the opportunity to work with this remarkable animal, one research door may be closing, but a window into exciting future opportunities lies ajar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verner P. Bingman
- Department of Psychology and J. P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
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Prada PA, Furton KG. Birds and Dogs: Toward a Comparative Perspective on Odor Use and Detection. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:188. [PMID: 30155472 PMCID: PMC6103309 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While canines are generally considered the gold standard for olfactory detection in many situations other animals provide alternatives and offer a unique opportunity to compare biological detection capabilities. Critical components in successfully studying biological detectors is not only understanding their anatomical evidence for olfaction, but also, understanding the life history of the species to better direct the potential of an olfactory task. Here, a brief overview is provided presenting a comparative viewpoint on the use of odors by birds and canines over a range of unique detection scenarios. Similar to canines, birds use olfactory information in various natural oriented contexts where odors are dispersed over a widespread spatial range. Comparing these two distinctive animal models, and current trends in physiological and behavioral assessments may open the door for novel uses of birds as biological sensors in forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola A Prada
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Forensic Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Kenneth G Furton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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Gagliardo A, Pollonara E, Wikelski M. Only natural local odours allow homeward orientation in homing pigeons released at unfamiliar sites. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2018; 204:761-771. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-018-1277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Schiffner I, Denzau S, Gehring D, Wiltschko R. Mathematical analysis of the homing flights of pigeons based on GPS tracks. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2016; 202:869-877. [PMID: 27766380 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-016-1127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To analyse the effect of magnetic and olfactory deprivation on the homing flight of pigeons, we released birds from a familiar site with either their upper beak or their nostrils anaesthetized. The tracks were analysed by time lag embedding to calculate the short-term correlation dimension, a variable that reflects the degrees of freedom and thus the number of factors involved in a system. We found that higher natural fluctuations in the earth's magnetic field characterized by A P-indices of 8 and above caused a reduction of the correlation dimension of the control birds. We thus separated the data into two groups according to whether they were recorded on magnetically quiet days or on days with higher magnetic fluctuations. Anaesthetizing the upper beak had no significant effect. Making pigeons anosmic reduced the correlation dimension on magnetically quiet days, but did not cause any reduction on days with higher fluctuations. Altogether, our data suggest an involvement of magnetic cues and olfactory factors during the homing flight and point to a robust, multi-factorial map.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Schiffner
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Building #79, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Fachbereich Biowissenschaften, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max von Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Susanne Denzau
- Fachbereich Biowissenschaften, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max von Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dennis Gehring
- Fachbereich Biowissenschaften, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max von Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Roswitha Wiltschko
- Fachbereich Biowissenschaften, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max von Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Safi K, Gagliardo A, Wikelski M, Kranstauber B. How Displaced Migratory Birds Could Use Volatile Atmospheric Compounds to Find Their Migratory Corridor: A Test Using a Particle Dispersion Model. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:175. [PMID: 27799899 PMCID: PMC5065961 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfaction represents an important sensory modality for navigation of both homing pigeons and wild birds. Experimental evidence in homing pigeons showed that airborne volatile compounds carried by the winds at the home area are learned in association with wind directions. When displaced, pigeons obtain information on the direction of their displacement using local odors at the release site. Recently, the role of olfactory cues in navigation has been reported also for wild birds during migration. However, the question whether wild birds develop an olfactory navigational map similar to that described in homing pigeons or, alternatively, exploit the distribution of volatile compounds in different manner for reaching the goal is still an open question. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we evaluate the possibilities of reconstructing spatio-temporally explicit aerosol dispersion at large spatial scales using the particle dispersion model FLEXPART. By combining atmospheric information with particle dispersion models, atmospheric scientists predict the dispersion of pollutants for example, after nuclear fallouts or volcanic eruptions or wildfires, or in retrospect reconstruct the origin of emissions such as aerosols. Using simple assumptions, we reconstructed the putative origin of aerosols traveling to the location of migrating birds. We use the model to test whether the putative odor plume could have originated from an important stopover site. If the migrating birds knew this site and the associated plume from previous journeys, the odor could contribute to the reorientation towards the migratory corridor, as suggested for the model scenario in displaced Lesser black-backed gulls migrating from Northern Europe into Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Safi
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute for OrnithologyRadolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of KonstanzKonstanz, Germany
| | | | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute for OrnithologyRadolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of KonstanzKonstanz, Germany
| | - Bart Kranstauber
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute for OrnithologyRadolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of KonstanzKonstanz, Germany
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