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Albinism and mouse behaviour

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Abstract

This study examines the behavioural effects of the gene for albinism (c-locus) in mice. For this purpose, homozygous albino mutants were compared with heterozygous pigmented mice, all males, in three experimental situations: 1. In order to obtain a general picture of the behavioural phenotype, the frequencies of 22 acts and postures displayed by solitary mice in a large observation cage were observed directly. 2. Using a platform that could be fixed at different heights, the levels and latencies of descent were recorded for the two genotypes. 3. In a pole-climbing test, the climbing latencies of the animals were measured. These experiments indicated that albinos show more fear of heights (are more acrophobic) than wild-type mice. Their visual exploration of space appears to be about normal. The problem of the causation of this acrophobia is discussed.

In one single respect (climbing latency) the mutants turned out to be more variable than the controls, a finding which might be explained in terms of a weaker canalization of their phenotype.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Genetics Laboratory, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    J. H. F. van Abeelen & H. W. Kroes

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  1. J. H. F. van Abeelen
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  2. H. W. Kroes
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van Abeelen, J.H.F., Kroes, H.W. Albinism and mouse behaviour. Genetica 38, 419–429 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01507473

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01507473

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