If a fledgling zebra finch fails to hear a tutor song during its sensitive period for vocal learning, which consequence follows?

💡 Explanation

Song learning in zebra finches depends on auditory feedback and tutor imitation during a critical period; the Auditory Template Matching mechanism compares the fledgling's vocalizations to a stored template. Because the bird lacks proper auditory input, it cannot refine its song structure, therefore an abnormal song develops, rather than perfect imitation or indefinite random vocalizations, under environmental or genetic conditions.

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