[Aggressive behavior in animal models]

Area of Science:

• Ethology
• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Genetics

Context:

• Animal models are crucial for understanding complex behaviors.
• Aggression is a fundamental behavior with significant implications for social structures and well-being.
• Existing models offer diverse approaches to studying aggression.

Purpose:

• To review and comparatively analyze current animal models of aggression.
• To discuss the applicability of these models to human aggression.
• To explore the neurochemical and hormonal underpinnings of aggressive behavior.

Summary:

• The review covers various animal aggression models: social isolation, territorial (intruder-resident), brain stimulation-elicited, maternal, learned, and genetic models.
• Each model is critically examined, highlighting its strengths and limitations.
• The discussion extends to the influence of various compounds and the involvement of key neurotransmitters and hormones in modulating aggression.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview for researchers in ethology, neuroscience, and psychology.
• Facilitates comparative analysis of different aggression models.
• Informs future research directions for understanding and potentially mitigating aggression in both animals and humans.