Meeting Abstract

97.8  Monday, Jan. 6 15:15  Olfactory Sensory Neurons in New World Vultures (Cathartidae) Demonstrate Physiological Responsiveness to Biologically Relevant Odorants WRIGHT, J/E*; UKHANOV, K; ACHE, B/W; KIMBALL, R/T; University of Florida, Gainesville; University of Florida, Gainesville; University of Florida, Gainesville; University of Florida, Gainesville jwright1855@ufl.edu

Birds have long been thought to be anosmic, relying on visual and acoustic cues over olfaction. However, some birds have been shown to rely on olfaction for a variety of activities, including foraging, mate recognition, home site navigation, and predator avoidance. Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are known for their olfactory capabilities to locate food using only their sense of smell. In contrast, other genera of cathartid vultures are not thought to have well-developed olfactory abilities. We collected neuroepithelial tissue from the nasal cavities of turkey and black (Coragyps atratus) vultures and performed calcium imaging analysis on dissociated olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Results reveal that both species demonstrate an ability to bind biologically relevant odorant mixtures at the peripheral olfactory system and show little response to non-relevant odorant mixtures. Additionally, percent responses to odorant mixtures by cathartid OSNs appear to be just as robust as similar studies in mammals, indicating at least some birds are capable of a similar level of olfactory ability to mammals.