Vocal Variability of Chaffinch Song (Fringilla coelebs L.) as a Condition of Cultural Evolution in Local Populations

Abstract

There are such characteristics of a matter of the nature, as variability and stability (tradition, norm). Probably, these opposites process as if other qualities of different forms of energy also create “movement” development. Thus the given properties of a matter of the nature can be considered at different levels of its organization. The singing of many passerine birds is incontrovertible feature of their life which determines and builds a reproductive cycle. By studying song repertoire of many sparrow species in details, it was revealed that the individual has not only one, but some types of songs. Thus spring singing represents the multifunctional phenomenon and can bear (carry) various values. The singing is not only a means of attracting females, but also a means of intimidation of the contender and delimitation of nested territory. Variants or types of species-specific song are individually various and distributed between individuals of a population. The complex interrelation of geographical variability of chaffinch song in many respects gives a support at an evolutionary view in the given aspect.

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Astakhova, O. (2014) Vocal Variability of Chaffinch Song (Fringilla coelebs L.) as a Condition of Cultural Evolution in Local Populations. Open Journal of Animal Sciences, 4, 59-69. doi: 10.4236/ojas.2014.42009.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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