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Dustbathing as a regulatory mechanism

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Abstract

Three mathematical models were developed to describe how some species of birds, such as bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) regulate the amount of oil on their plumage. The models assume that dustbathing plays a significant role in this regulatory process. They differed primarily in their assumptions about the relationship between oiling and dustbathing behavior. Several experiments were run to check on the implications of the models.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 48824, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Ralph L. Levine & John E. Hunter

  2. Department of Animal Behavior, American Museum of Natural History, 10001, New York, NY

    Peter L. Borchelt

Authors
  1. Ralph L. Levine
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  2. John E. Hunter
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  3. Peter L. Borchelt
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Levine, R.L., Hunter, J.E. & Borchelt, P.L. Dustbathing as a regulatory mechanism. Bltn Mathcal Biology 36, 545–553 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02463266

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02463266

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