If hemammalian social behaviorrelies heavily on a neurotransmitter calledoxytocin, in certainbirdstheir relationships are regulated by a very similar substance, themesotocin. According to a study published today by the magazineScienceIf one of these substances is inactivated, the behavior of individuals changes radically.
Specifically, by blocking the activity of mesotocin in the brain ofzebra finchesfemale, birds that live in large flocks, scientists found that the birds began to passless time with familiar individuals and more time with strangersIn addition to becoming less social and preferring small and “select” groups. On the contrary, if they were given an extra dose of mesotocin, their sociability and contact with related partners or relatives increased, formingextensive “meetings”.
But if vertebrates possess oxytocin or substances similar to it, why don’t we all live in large groups? As James Goodson and his colleagues demonstrate in the article, it all depends on thebrain receptors. Zebra finches have more receptors for mesotocin in an area of the brain calledseptum lateralthan other species of finches that show a more individual and territorial behavior. By measuring the concentration of these receptors, Goodson argues, one couldpredict how gregarious an individual will be. Although, yes, taking into account that in most species only females are sensitive to the effects of these substances.
