Exploratory behavior in several species of rodents.

Abstract

Locomotor exploratory behavior of 7 species of rodents was studied in an open field. Total quantity of locomotor activity, absolute rate of habituation to the test field, and reactions to a procedural variable (provision of a smaller compartment in which to retreat from the field), were all found to differ significantly as a function of species. The frequency of such activities as biting objects within the field, scratching at the floor of the field, rearing, grooming and defecating, were analyzed and found to differ among 3 preselected species.