01299nas a2200181 4500008004100000245007400041210006900115300001400184490000800198520073000206100002300936700001600959700001600975700001700991700002101008700002601029856006201055 2011 eng d00aBrain Evolution Triggers Increased Diversification of Electric Fishes0 aBrain Evolution Triggers Increased Diversification of Electric F a583–5860 v3323 a
Communication can contribute to the evolution of biodiversity by promoting speciation and reinforcing reproductive isolation between existing species. The evolution of species-specific signals depends on the ability of individuals to detect signal variation, which in turn relies on the capability of the brain to process signal information. Here, we show that evolutionary change in a region of the brain devoted to the analysis of communication signals in mormyrid electric fishes improved detection of subtle signal variation and resulted in enhanced rates of signal evolution and species diversification. These results show that neural innovations can drive the diversification of signals and promote speciation.
1 aCarlson, Bruce, A.1 aHasan, S, M1 aHollmann, M1 aMiller, D, B1 aHarmon, Luke, J.1 aArnegard, Matthew, E. uhttp://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi/10.1126/science.1201524