EDRI Federal Project Inventory:
Ecology of Passerine Vocal Development
Sponsor Organization: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Project Title: ECOLOGY OF PASSERINE VOCAL DEVELOPMENT
Project Focus: ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Description: Human language is an outstanding example of animal communication.
Anotheroutstanding example is the evolution of vocal learning that has
led to remarkable andcomplex vocal behaviors among songbirds. Dr.
Kroodsma will study the relationshipbetween vocal learning and various
features of natural history, such as nesting, habitatselection and
adult singing in a group that lives in a variety of habitats from
Canada toTierra del Fuego. The results of observational field studies
and laboratory experimentsin several species will help to unravel the
ecological and social forces that contribute tothe evolution of vocal
learning. In the long run, these studies will make an important
contribution towards understanding the basic biological principles and
mechanismsunderlying the evolution of animal communication.
References:
Category: MODELS
Subcategory: BASIC RESEARCH
Keywords for Experimental System/Species: AVIAN, IN VIVO, FIELD STUDIES, LABORATORY STUDIES
Keywords for Experimental Endpoints: REPRODUCTIVE, BREEDING BEHAVIOR, PHYSIOLOGY, NEUROLOGICAL, POPULATION
DYNAMICS
Chemical Agents: N/A
Performing Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst
