Proposal fpr Physiological Studies at Kure Atoll, Green Island on the 
Standard Metabolic Rates and Development of Homiothermisza in Birds* 
One of the most actives areas of research in avian physiology is 
that concerned with Standard Metabolic Rates and the Development of 
Homiotherraism. King and Farner ( Physiology of Birds, Volume 2, Chapter 19 
Academic Press, New 'fork, i 960 ) in their review of this field noted a paucity 
of reliable data and measurements taken under standard conditions. The 
abundance at Kure Atoll of a large number of breeding species of widely <1 i 
bird orders and families presents the Pacific Project with an unusual 
opportunity for research in this field. 
The equipment necessary for gathering data is simple to obtain, maintain 
and use. The Coast Guard at Kure is willing to supply us with sources of 
compressed air and electricity, and the following list is the other material 
necessary. 
1 Constant Temperature Bath 
1 20 ,, xl2 ,, xl2 ,, Animal Chamber ( I will loan the project mine. ) 
4 1 gallon Paint Cans ( Used to make small animal chambers ) 
30 Pounds of Blue ( indicating ) Drierite ( Chemical Dessicant, reclaimable ) 
100 Pounds of Ascarite ( Indicating ) or Soda-Lime ( Nonreclaimable C0 o absorbant ) 
2 50 CC Glass Syringes. 2 
2 20 CC Glass Syringes 
2 10 CC Glass Syringes 
20 Feet of 3/l6" O.D. Glass Tubing 
400 Feet of 3/l6" O.D. Copper Tubing 
100 Feet of 3/l6" O.D. Rubber tubing 
1 Air Pressure Stepdown Valve ( 150 pounds to 5 pounds ) 
1 100 Cu. Ft. Oxygen tank 
1 Adapter Valves for Oxygen tank. 
1 Gallon Mineral Oil 
15 Gallons Ethylene Glycol 
1 18" long Centigrade ( Range -20 to +50 degrees ) Thermometer 
3 10 CC Pipettes 
3 1 CC Pipettes 
24 3 oz. Tubes of Lubriseal ( Sealing grease ) 
2 1 pound Jars Vaseline Petroleum Jelly 
1 Large Sponge 
12' x 2* x 1/4" Sheet of Plexiglas 
1 2' x 2* x 1/2! Sheet of Plexiglas 
1 Bolt Cheesecloth 
12 1 Pound Boxes Plasticene ( Modling Clay ) 
Estimated Cost - $2,000 - 3»000. 
