The primary objective of this U.S.-Hungary cooperative research project between Dr. Tamas Szekely of Kossuth University, Debrecen, and Dr. Timothy DeVoogd of Cornell University, Ithaca, is to examine and compare contrasts between six bird species exhibiting very different song characteristics. The researchers will study the interconnected brain nuclei responsible for song acquisition and production in order to determine how song system nuclei differ between species or whether variation in anatomy between species is systematically related to differences in song. Results should contribute to our fundamental understanding of the relationship of brain and behavior by drawing upon complementing strengths in evolutionary biology and neurobiology. Funds for the project are awarded through the US-Hungary Joint Fund, Budapest, in accordance with established guidelines. This project in zoology fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
