Mice learn songs in similar way to humans and birds

By Matt McGrath
Science reporter, BBC World Service
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19898947

US researchers say that mice may have the ability to learn songs based on the sounds they hear.

They found that when male mice were housed together they learned to match the pitch of their songs to each other.

Mice also share some behavioural and brain mechanisms involved in vocal learning with songbirds and humans, say the researchers.

But some scientists are sceptical, saying the evidence doesn't support the claim.

Details of the study are published in the Journal, Plos One.