Agonistic Behavior of Mice and Rats: A Review

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1966
Authors:Scott, JP
Journal:American Zoologist
Volume:6
Pagination:683-701
Date Published:1966
ISBN Number:00031569
Keywords:Rattus norvegicus
Abstract:

This paper reviews the results of research on the agonistic behavior of wild and tame strains of house mice (Mus musculus) and the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and covers papers that have appeared since an earlier review (Scott and Fredericson, 1951). Various methods for observing, measuring, and eliciting fighting are described and their appropriate uses discussed. Measures of latency and frequency are more satisfactory than arbitrary rating scales. Situations involving competition over food present complex motivational problems. The basic agonistic behavior patterns (ethograms) of rats and mice are compared. Differences appear in the lack of playful fighting and weaning threats in mice, the dual "boxing" posture of rats, and the unique "tail rattling" in mice. Both species are alike in their inability to form complex dominance hierarchies in which fighting is reduced to threat and avoidance. As a general theory, each species has evolved behavior patterns and physiological mechanisms of behavior which are adaptively related to its own social organization and population dynamics. Mice and rats have evolved along different lines both from each other and other species of mammals.

URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3881483
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith