The Normal Stages of Embryological Development for the Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus)

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological and Environmental Sciences

Date of Award

Summer 8-18-2025

Abstract

The Northern Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is an iconic umbrella species of ecological, economic, and cultural importance that is declining rapidly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, intensive agriculture, and agricultural chemicals, which are exacerbated by climate change. One of the primary limitations in evaluating the factors contributing to the Northern Bobwhite’s population decline is the absence of comprehensive and standardized stages for its normal embryonic development, resulting in a significant gap in our understanding of its developmental biology. The objective of this study was to chart the normal stages of development for Northern Bobwhites, including descriptions of morphological and structural development. During one laying season, 1000 Northern Bobwhite quail eggs were incubated at 37.5°C in 60% relative humidity (RH) for ~23 days. During this period, eggs were opened and observed to document embryonic development. The morphological characteristics of the embryo were measured ~7 months after preservation, including the blastoderm diameter, anterior angle of the nostril to the tip of the beak, and the length of the wings, tarsus, middle toe, total beak, total foot, and embryo length itself. This research presents the first comprehensive documentation of the normal developmental stages of the Northern Bobwhite, providing a standardized embryological timetable for future research; however, measurements should be interpreted with caution due to potential distortion from specimen preservation methods.

Advisor

Kelly Reyna

Subject Categories

Biology | Life Sciences

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