Electrophysiological data from five species of Xenopus

Across phyla, species-specific vocalizations are used by males to attract females. Functional analyses of the neural circuitry underlying behavior have been difficult, particularly in vertebrates. However, using an ex vivo brain preparation that produces fictive vocalizations, we previously identified anatomically distinct fast and slow central pattern generators (CPGs) that drive the fast and slow clicks of male courtship calls in male African clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis. To gain insight into the evolution of neural circuits underlying courtship calls, we extended this approach to four additional species. Here, we show that although the exact rate and duration of the clicks are unique to each species, fast and slow CPGs identified in male X. laevis are conserved across species. Further, we show that the development of fast CPGs depends on testosterone in a species-specific manner: testosterone facilitates the development of fast CPGs in a species with a courtship call containing fast ..., Electrophysiological data collected using ClampEx was analyzed to determine CAP/click rates, latency, and number. For some data, cross-correlation coefficients were calculated, and the time at which the maximum CCC was obtained was determined to be the lag time. PSD was calculated using Clampfit and averaged across individuals.,