Foraging behavioural changes induced by conspecific and heterosubspecific odours in two strains of wild mice.

摘要: Mice in wild populations of the two subspecies Mus musculus domesticus and may potentially compete for food. Because importance olfaction mice, we hypothesised that presence unfamiliar conspecific or heterosubspecific chemical cues could play a role access to use food resources. We used an experimental design tested this assumption with males from strains, originated these subspecies, as subjects. Exploratory activity, latency approach, time frequency on area, number seeds eaten foraging rate (number eaten/time area × 100) were compared three different categories odours (own, same strain other odours) both strains. In context, induced behavioural changes male especially increase exploratory activity more (same strain) less similar odour (different strain), reduction spent area. Odour similarity related genetic proximity cost-benefit ratio encounter are possible explanations processes involved treatment strains mice. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.