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Autoshaping and food acquisition in mice: a genetic analysis
Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology
|December 1, 1980
Summary
Genetic analysis of mouse behavior reveals open-field and food ingestion measures are evolutionarily significant. Autoshaping behaviors, however, showed different inheritance patterns with unclear evolutionary roles.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Evolutionary biology
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Quantitative behavioral traits are crucial for understanding evolutionary patterns.
- Feeding patterns involve complex behaviors influenced by genetics.
- Inbred mouse models are valuable for genetic and behavioral research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically analyze quantitative behavioral traits related to a generalized feeding pattern.
- To investigate the evolutionary significance of open-field activity, food ingestion, and autoshaping.
- To determine the inheritance patterns of these behaviors in laboratory mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a diallel cross design with four inbred mouse strains.
- Applied standard genetic analysis procedures, including Hayman's analysis of variance.
- Employed Jinks' variance-covariance diagrams for data interpretation.
Main Results:
- Open-field activity measures and food consumption rates showed evolutionary importance.
- These traits contributed to the evolutionary history of the mouse.
- Autoshaping response development exhibited a distinct inheritance pattern.
Conclusions:
- Open-field and food consumption behaviors are significant components of mouse evolutionary history.
- Autoshaping behaviors present a unique genetic basis, with their evolutionary significance requiring further investigation.
- Genetic analysis of behavioral traits provides insights into evolutionary processes.