Differences between fast and slow explorers in short-term tail temperature responses to handling in a rodent of wild origin

摘要: Abstract Animals of different behavioral types typically show associated differences in their physiological stress response, including differential reactivity the sympathetic nervous system. Infrared thermography offers possibility to explore this link a non-invasive way via quantification fine-scale changes peripheral body temperature due cutaneous blood flow. We used technique investigate association between exploration tendency, trait frequently phenotype mammals and birds, short-term thermal responses challenge small rodent wild origin, mound-building mouse (Mus spicilegus). applied brief handling procedure consisting transfer subjects into arena. This led significant increase subjects’ maximum (mainly reflecting eyes) decreases temperatures at positions on tail. Maximum tail showed individual-level consistencies response repeated applications procedure, suggesting stable individual animals’ activity. then compared ‘fast’ ‘slow’ explorers, who were phenotyped through open field novel object tests. Fast explorers significantly lower than slow shortly after handling, stronger former. Comparisons within sibling groups kept cages that explorer particularly pronounced during first minute increased magnitude along millimeters distal base.