Mobile lab for behavioural and evolutionary ecology

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This is an application for funds to purchase a minivan for use as a mobile research lab in our studies of the behaviour and evolution of birds, fishes and frogs. Our research involves typically 9 months (Mar-Nov) in the field at both local and remote sites , mainly in eastern North America. This vehicle will be used to transport our personnel and research equipment to these field sites, but also to function as a mobile research lab while we are in the field. To use this vehicle as a mobile lab we will install a bench in the back, supplied with an electrical outlet so that we can setup and operate a variety of research equipment inside the vehicle. We will use this lab setup for (i) quantifying bird plumage colours using a portable reflectance spectrometer attached to a notebook computer, (ii) fish and bird sperm analysis using a negative phase contrast microscope and computer-monitored digital videocam, (iii) bird and frog song analysis, manipulation and playback via notebook computer, and (iv) frog mate choice using a specially designed apparatus for song playback, and recording of frog movement using infrared digital videography, again monitored by computer. The purchase of this equipment offers us considerable savings over vehicle rentals and allows us to modify the vehicle interior for use as a mobile lab.