This National Science Foundation (NSF) Project Grant award under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) provides $352,744 to Williams College to conduct research on the cultural evolution of bird songs. The project, titled "RUI: HONESTY, LEARNING BIASES, AND COMPLEXITY IN THE CULTURAL EVOLUTION OF BIRD SONGS", will use an integrated approach of mathematical modeling and field studies in a natural population of savannah sparrows to explore how female choice affects the elaboration of male songs, the tradeoffs between song efficacy and vocal performance, and the interplay between limits on vocal abilities and selection for complex songs. The award period is from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027. The research aims to advance the understanding of cultural development processes, speciation, and conservation of species facing rapid environmental changes. No sub-awards are planned under this grant.
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