Question

What previously accepted explanation did Dr. Goldman and Dr. Nottebohm challenge with their work regarding neurons of female songbirds?

Answer 1

The previously accepted explanation of Dr. Goldman and Dr. Nottenbohm challenging with their work which regards neurons of female songbirds is that they said that there are no new neurons which are born to the adult brain.

This made them lead to acceptance of adult neurogenesis. The reason why they were successful about this is because he was able to show that the new neurons are being involved in learning and their functions which integrate into existing circuitry.

Answer 2

Female songbirds are known to sing simpler songs than their male counterparts. Due to this basis, it was widely believed that testosterone-induced vocalization or song learning. The logic was since testosterone was much less in female songbirds, therefore, the singing ability is also lessened. With Goldman and Nottebohm’s studies, they found out that in fact, the ability to sing is much more of a neural development than a hormonal activity. Nottebohm's studies showed that the left hemisphere of the bird's brain is largely in control of the learning ability to sing and vocalise. Aside from that, bird's also regenerate their neuron cells unlike previous belief that at a certain age, neural development stops.