Research advances in vocal communication behavior and neural mechanisms of common marmosets

doi:10.16829/j.slxb.151104

Abstract

Abstract:

Vocal communication is a major way of information exchange among individual animals or groups, exhibiting diversity across different species. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has become a prominent non-human primate model in neurobiology, particularly in vocal communication research, due to its rich vocal repertoire, highly developed auditory system, complex vocal communication behaviors, and notable social characteristics. This article reviews the progress in research on vocal communication behavior and its neural mechanisms in common marmosets. It begins by outlining their vocal repertoire and acoustic characteristics. Building on this, the vocalizations are functionally categorized, with a focus on their specific roles and ecological significance in social interactions, foraging behavior, and alarm responses. Next, the neural mechanisms underlying vocal communication in common marmosets are presented, including the neural circuits and regulatory mechanisms of vocal production, as well as the key roles of the auditory cortex, prefrontal cortex, and limbic system in primary sound processing and higher-order functional integration. Finally, based on the current state of research, suggestions for future studies are proposed. This review aims to advance research on vocal communication in common marmosets and provide theoretical references for related fields.

Key words: Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), Vocal communication, Vocal repertoire, Vocal control, Auditory coding

摘要：

声音通讯是动物个体或群体间交流信息的形式之一，其表现随动物种类的不同而呈现多样性。普通狨 (Callithrix jacchus) 凭借其丰富的发声曲目、高度发达的听觉系统、复杂的声音通讯行为以及显著的社会化特征，成为神经生物学领域，特别是声音通讯研究中备受关注的非人灵长类模式动物。本文综述了关于普通狨声音通讯行为及神经机制的研究进展，首先梳理了其叫声曲目及声学特征；在此基础上，对叫声进行功能分类，重点介绍了其在社交互动、觅食行为和警戒反应中的具体功能及其生态意义。其次，阐述了普通狨声音通讯的神经机制，包括发声控制的神经环路和调节机制，以及听皮层、前额叶和边缘系统在声音初级加工和高级功能整合中的关键作用。最后，结合当前研究现状，提出了未来研究建议。本文旨在推动普通狨声音通讯研究的发展，并为相关领域提供理论参考。

关键词: 普通狨, 声音通讯, 叫声曲目, 发声控制, 听觉编码

CLC Number:

Q958.1

Qianbing LI, Xiangyu ZHANG, Lixia GAO. Research advances in vocal communication behavior and neural mechanisms of common marmosets[J]. ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA, 2025, 45(6): 753-762.

李倩冰, 张翔宇, 高利霞. 普通狨声音通讯行为及神经机制研究进展[J]. 兽类学报, 2025, 45(6): 753-762.

Figures/Tables 3

Fig. 1 Spectrograms of sampled marmoset calls

Fig. 2 Vocal turn-taking in marmosets. A: Time-domain signals of vocalizations from two marmosets (M1 and M2), recorded simultaneously using a dual-channel independent microphone system. Channel 1 (Ch1) was directed toward M1, and Channel 2 (Ch2) toward M2. The vocalizing individual was identified and labeled based on the relative amplitude of calls captured by the two channels, as illustrated in the upper part of Figure 2A. B: Spectrogram corresponding to the signals shown in A

Fig.3 Key brain regions and neural circuits involved in vocal control and call encoding in marmosets. A: Cortical network underlying vocal production in marmosets. M1, SMA, and 6V regulate laryngeal motoneurons, with stronger connections from SMA and 6V (indicated by thicker lines). The prefrontal cortex sends signals to the auditory cortex before voluntary vocalization, forming feedback inhibition. B: Neural circuit involved in vocal perception in marmosets. The rostral projection from the auditory cortex to the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex represents the ventral pathway, while the caudal projection to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex represents the dorsal pathway. The anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus all exhibit selective responses to conspecific calls. The anterior cingulate cortex is retrogradely traced to the amygdala and higher auditory cortex. AC: Auditory cortex; ACC: Anterior cingulate cortex; PFC: Prefrontal cortex; Amy: Amygdala; Hipp: Hippocampus; LS: Lateral sulcus; STS: Superior temporal sulcus; M1: Primary motor cortex; SMA: Supplementary motor area; 6V: Area 6 ventral; LMN: Laryngeal motoneurons. Axis directions, D: Dorsal; V: Ventral; C: Caudal; R: Rostral

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