Memory-related brain lateralisation in birds and humans

Abstract

Visual imprinting in chicks and song learning in songbirds are prominent model systems for the study of the neural mechanisms of memory. In both systems, neural lateralisation has been found to be involved in memory formation. Although many processes in the human brain are lateralised--spatial memory and musical processing involves mostly right hemisphere dominance, whilst language is mostly left hemisphere dominant--it is unclear what the function of lateralisation is. It might enhance brain capacity, make processing more efficient, or prevent occurrence of conflicting signals. In both avian paradigms we find memory-related lateralisation. We will discuss avian lateralisation findings and propose that birds provide a strong model for studying neural mechanisms of memory-related lateralisation.

Keywords: Auditory-vocal learning; Avian brain; Domestic chick; Hemispheric dominance; Human language lateralisation; Imprinting; Lateralisation; Learning; Memory; Memory consolidation; Memory formation; Sensory learning; Song learning; Songbirds.