Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025

A Lightweight, Headphones-based System for Manipulating Auditory Feedback in Songbirds
Published on: November 26, 2012
Understanding the origins of musicality requires reconstructing the interactive dance between music-specific
1Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour; McMaster University, West Hamilton, ONL8S4B2, Canada. LJT@mcmaster.ca; https://trainorlab.mcmaster.ca/.
Abstract:
The evolutionary origins of complex capacities such as musicality are not simple, and likely involved many interacting steps of musicality-specific adaptations, exaptations, and cultural creation. A full account of the origins of musicality needs to consider the role of ancient adaptations such as credible singing, auditory scene analysis, and prediction-reward circuits in constraining the emergence of musicality.
Related Concept Videos
Gene-Environment Interactions
Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Beyond physical adaptations,...
Neuroplasticity
Evolutionary Psychology
Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances

