Song evolution, speciation, and vocal learning in passerine birds

• DOI: 10.1111/evo.13159
• Publication Date: 2016-12-25T05:47:25Z
• Authors: Nicholas A. Mason; Kevin J. Burns; Joseph A. Tobias; Santiago Claramunt; Nathalie Seddon; Elizabeth P. Derr...
• Keywords: Genetic algorithm; Vocal Learning; Ecological speciation

Phenotypic divergence can promote reproductive isolation and speciation, suggesting a possible link between rates of phenotypic evolution the tempo speciation at multiple evolutionary scales. To date, most macroevolutionary studies diversification have focused on morphological traits, whereas behavioral traits─including vocal signals─are rarely considered. Thus, although traits often mediate mate choice gene flow, we limited understanding how contributes to diversification. Furthermore, developmental mode by which are acquired may affect evolution, this hypothesis is seldom tested in phylogenetic framework. Here, examine evidence for rate shifts across two major radiations codistributed passerines: one oscine clade with learned songs (Thraupidae) suboscine innate (Furnariidae). We find that bursts song coincident both thraupids furnariids. Further, overall higher among taxa rather than songs. Taken together, these findings suggest an association be influenced variation modes lineages.