Brief exposure to the biological mother “potentiates” the isolation behavior of precocial Guinea pig pups

摘要: When isolated rat pups are briefly reunited with a lactating female, her subsequent removal leads to dramatic increase in the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations, but not other behaviors. Whether this socially induced augmentation isolation behavior (i.e., "potentiation") is characteristic only altricial rodents known. Therefore, we examined precocial guinea pig potentiation paradigm. Ten-day-old pigs were test cage for 10 min, at which time they then placed into second 5 min that either contained companion or, controls, was empty. Pups again 10-min period. Control showed significant reduction vocalizing and locomotor activity from first Exposure biological mother prevented decline both behaviors (Experiment 1), whereas exposure familiar littermate 2) had no effect, an unfamiliar female 3) minimal effect on activity. The results show limited rodents, suggest specific characteristics its magnitude, affected, selectivity response particular social partners) varies abilities requirements young, as well behavioral ecology species question.