Predation and feeding: Comparisons of feeding behavior of killer and nonkiller rats.

Abstract

Studied feeding behavior of 34 killer and 34 nonkiller male Long-Evans rats when (a) hungry, (b) with food available, and (c) with prey and other food of high and low palatability. 3 experiments showed that the act of killing did not potentiate feeding but killers were more responsive to dead prey as food than were nonkillers. Results of this and previous studies suggest that the relationship between attack and feeding is not important to the maintenance of killing. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)