Abstract
In the present experiments, a naive “observer” rat first interacted with a “demonstrator” rat previously fed a diet unfamiliar to the observer. The observer then sampled two unfamiliar diets, one of which was the diet its demonstrator had eaten. The observer was then injected with LiCl and, following recovery from toxicosis, was offered a choice between the two diets it sampled prior to toxicosis induction. It was found that: (1) each observer rat formed an aversion to whichever diet its demonstrator had not eaten, (2) effects of demonstrators on aversion learning by observers were present even if there was a 7- or 8-day delay between interaction of a demonstrator and observer and diet sampling by the observer, and (3) observers interacting with 3 demonstrators, each fed a different diet, subsequently exhibited a reduced tendency to form an aversion to each of the diets eaten by their demonstrators. Taken together, the results indicate that information acquired from conspecifics as to the diets they have eaten can play an important role in determining the foods to which otherwise naive rats will learn aversions.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Galef, B. G., Jr. (1983). Utilization by Norway rats (R. norvegicus) of multiple messages concerning distant foods.Journal of Comparative Psychology,97, 364–371.
Galef, B. G., Jr. (1985). Socially induced diet preference can partially reverse a LiCl-induced diet aversion.Animal Learning & Behavior,13, 415–118.
Galef, B. G., Jr. (1986a). Social identification of toxic diets by Norway rats.Journal of Comparative Psychology,100, 331–334.
Galef, B. G., Jr. (1986b). Social interaction modifies learned aversions, sodium appetite, and both palatability and handling-time induced dietary preference in rats (Rattus norvegicus).Journal of Comparative Psychology,100, 432–439.
Galef, B. G., Jr. (1987).Social blockade of taste-aversion learning in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus):Preventing development of “food phobias.” Manuscript submitted for publication.
Galef, B. G., Jr., &Stein, M. (1985). Demonstrator influence on observer diet preference Analysis of critical social interactions and olfactory signals.Animal Learning & Behavior,13, 31–38.
Galef, B. G., Jr., &Wigmore, S. W. (1983). Transfer of information concerning distant foods in rats: A laboratory investigation of the ‘information centre’ hypothesis.Animal Behaviour,31, 748–758.
Kalat, J. W., &Rozin, P. (1973). “Learned safety” as a mechanism in long-delay taste-aversion learning in the rat.Journal of Comparative & Physiological Psychology,83, 198–207.
Posadas-Andrews, A., &Roper, T. J. (1983). Social transmission of food preferences in adult rats.Animal Behaviour,31, 265–271.
Revusky, S. H., &Bedarf, E. W. (1967). Association of illness with prior ingestion of novel foods.Science,155, 219–220.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Funding for this research was provided by grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the McMaster University Research Board.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Galef, B.G. Social influences on the identification of toxic foods by Norway rats. Animal Learning & Behavior 15, 327–332 (1987). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03205027
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03205027