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The effects of cross fostering on the behavior of 2 species of north american lemmings dicrostonyx groenlandicus and lemmus trimucronatus olfactory preferences

Huck, U.W.; Banks, E.M.

Animal Behaviour 28(4): 1046-1052

1980


ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3472
Accession: 006662215

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To determine the role of the maternal environment in the development of adult olfactory preferences, the young of 2 spp. of North American lemmings (D. groenlandicus and L. trimucronatus) were reciprocally cross-fostered shortly after birth. In-fostered (reared by foster conspecific females) and non-fostered animals served as controls. When adult, subjects, were tested for olfactory preferences in a free-choice Y-maze olfactometer. When compared to controls, cross-fostered animals showed an increased preference for heterospecific odor. This effect was stronger for males than for females. Adult species-specific odor preferences are learned during the neonatal period.

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