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Observations of the Subterranean Activity of Domesticated and Wild Rats (Rattus Norvegicus): A Descriptive Study

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Abstract

The behavior of a small group (varying from five to seven members) of domesticated rats was observed for 11 wk. in an enclosure (171 × 183 cm) which allowed the viewing of animals above and below ground. Comparisons of the development and structure of the burrow system constructed by these animals with burrows built by a group of wild-trapped rats and a pair of devibrissaed laboratory rats revealed no marked differences between the excavation activities of wild and domesticated rats in this context. The excavation, dimensions, and utilization of burrows are described, as well as the social and agonistic interactions of group members in relation to underground habitation.

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Reference Notes

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Douglass College, Rutgers The State University, USA

    Kevin Flannelly & Richard Lore

  2. Edward R. Johnstone Traning and Research Center, Bordentown, New Jersey, 08505, USA

    Kevin Flannelly

Authors
  1. Kevin Flannelly
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  2. Richard Lore
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Additional information

This work was supported by a grant from the Rutgers Research Council to Richard Lore. We thank Dr. Donald H. Thor for providing the devibrissaed animals, Mr. William P. Shlapack for constructing the apparatus, Mr. Matthew Kramer for his assistance in conducting the study and Mrs. Victoria Jeffers for preparation of the figures.

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Flannelly, K., Lore, R. Observations of the Subterranean Activity of Domesticated and Wild Rats (Rattus Norvegicus): A Descriptive Study. Psychol Rec 27, 315–329 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394448

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394448

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