Project detail Title: A quantitative genetic approach to study the mechanisms and functions of bird song. Duration: 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2015 Researcher(s): Principal investigator:  Müller Wendt Co-principal investigator:  Eens Marcel Research Team(s): Ethology Abstract: Using a pedigreed captive canary population, the proposed project applies a quantitative genetic approach to the mechanisms and function of bird song, a trait playing an important role in the study of sexual selection. We will estimate the genetic inheritance of bird song as well as potential environmental influences. In order to test predictions of evolutionary theory in the context of sexual selection, we will investigate whether bird song indicates genetic and/or environmental quality, and analyze genetic correlations among song parameters, condition and immunocompetence. Finally, we apply a quantitative genetic approach to the endocrine regulation of corticosterone and testosterone, as the evolution of the traits studied here may depend on indirect selection on the underlying mechanisms.-