Devin conducted two experiments to determine whether quail interpret low contrast levels of light as one single 24 hour block of daylight or whether they perceive the light as a distinct day-night cycle.
Birds use daylength to time their reproductive cycles.
In Devin's experiments, both high and low contrast photoperiods were interpreted as constant daylight with the resulting CPA enlargement. These results point to absolute light intensity being more important than photophase contrast at low levels of light. Devin is currently in medical school following a one year Watson Fellowship in Central America. Elliott investigated the metabolic response of adult Zebra Finches to a range of temperatures. Oxygen consumption was used as an indirect measurement of heat produced by the bird to maintain its body temperature.