Observational learning of a left-right behavioral asymmetry in mice (Mus musculus).

Authors

R L. Collins

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1988

Keywords

Attention, Dominance-Cerebral, Female, Imitative-Behavior, Laterality, Mice, Mice-Inbred-Strains, Orientation, Posture, Problem-Solving, SUPPORT-U-S-GOVT-P-H-S

First Page

222

Last Page

224

JAX Location

1691

Grant

GM23618

Abstract

B6D2F1 hybrid mice that were allowed to observe a trained female mouse open a pendulum door to the right (or to the left) to enter a food compartment later solved this problem faster than pupils that had been placed behind a visual barrier. Male pupils that had observed a "left-handed: teacher performed sinistrally; males that had observed a "right-handed: model performed dextrally. Female pupils did not exhibit their demonstrator's laterality. Observational learning may provide a means to maintain certain lateralized behaviors. Such social learning may lead to the emergence of local traditions and to the cultural diffusion of behavioral asymmetries.

Recommended Citation

Collins RL. Observational learning of a left-right behavioral asymmetry in mice (Mus musculus). . 1988; ():222