[The role of sensory systems in the behavior of Ryukyu mice (Mus caroli Banhote, 1902)]

The role of vibrissa sense of touch, sense of smell, and vision in the Ryukyu mice in experiments with the optic boundary and the glass corridor were studied. A total of 20 adult and 20 young mice were used in the experiments. At the first stage, observations on the intact animals were performed; the animals with removed vibrissa and anosmic animals were used at the second and third stages, respectively. Significant similarities were observed between the behavior of adult males and females. More essential differences were found between the young and adult mice. The role of vibrissa sense of touch is important for orientation of Mus caroli, especially in young mice. Adult animals with a great life experience compensate for the absence of vibrissae more successfully through the intensified use of vision. Anosmia markedly reduces the motor activity of animals and leads to a reduced marking behavior. However, it stimulates the intense use of vision to a lesser extent than does vibrissectomy.