Sexual Imprinting: Effects of Various Regimens of Social Experience On Mate Preference in Japanese Quail Coturnix Coturnix Japonica

摘要: The present investigation has focused on the relationship of social experience during different developmental stages and subsequent mating behavior. Japanese quail Coturnix coturnix japonica were employed as subjects in that these avians become sexually mature early 42 days posthatch they readily mate an experimental apparatus. Four treatments exposure to albino compared a number measures determine how particular regimen might affect behavior males. four were: First, normal age-mates only for either first 5 or 20 then isolation from 2ist day (NEX). Second, (SEX). Third, 20-25 (PEX). Fourth, 16 through 25, (LEX). measure obtained was virgin male's approach confined female simultaneous choice test between female. This proved be unreliable predictor preference except case NEX group. Hence, those cases wherein are reared with typical objects can one expect such response related more interaction mating. second observation mount test. Both SEX groups selected normals 100% time. PEX group albinos all but case. LEX essentially equivocal respect preference; 6 females 4 albinos. demonstrates it is possible establish preferred sexual object basis program experience. data discussed terms mechanisms may serve produce observed differences among treatment groups. final whether not males would (within five minutes) when presented alone. later served differentiate suggested responsiveness toward result than single influence. Again, thought responsible An imprinting mechanism selection both rationale conclusion based difference selecting No members (early period) mounted test, whereas LEX's (later concluded have resulted at ontogenetic stage rather due increased duration exposed 15 (a greater amount 10 treatment) all. A habituation-sensitization mounting female, females. interpretation generally manifest fear newer after few posthatch, novel been shown reduce responsivity experienced object. Further, assumed addition generalization habituation earlier there also some sensitization objects. appears highly suitable species further study parameters effecting preferences