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BGSU_Dissertations_0129_McCartney.pdf (6.65 MB)

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A Comparative Study of the Social Behavior, Organization, and Development of Two Species of the Genus Rattus (R. Exulans and R. Rattus)

McCartney, Willard C.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1555931250428778

Abstract Details

1972, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences.
A study was conducted on the comparative development, social organization, and behavior of two species of the genus Rattus, R. exulans (Polynesian rat) and R. rattus (roof rat). LI"tters of both species were observed from the day of birth until weaning. Data were gathered on morphological, sensory, and motor development as well as on social behavior. No major differences were found in the behavioral development of the two species. This indicated that early developmental patterns in the genus Rattus are evolutionally conservative. Four free-living colonies of individually marked adults of each species were established in large (4m x 3m x 4m) rooms and observed daily. Observations continued until the first litter born reached sexual maturity. One pair of conspecifics was then introduced. After one week this pair was replaced with one pair of the opposite species. Observations continued for one week. Data were collected on social interaction rates and types and on the frequency of occurrence of 21 different behaviors. These data indicated that the social organization of each species was based on dominant-subordinate relationships. The reinforcement of this relationship differed between the species. The roof rat was more gregarious, less aggressive, and relied on social grooming and stereotyped agonistic postures. Reinforcement in the Polynesian rat was accomplished by prolonged chases. Non-social behavior differences also were found and were attributed to the same selection pressures. The roof rat was more fearful than the Polynesian rat. This fear was manifested in qualitative and quantitative differences be­tween the two species in investigatory and ingestive behavior. Roof rats rarely ate without being in or near shelter, and they more frequently engaged in food carrying and hoarding. The roof rat was, as a species, dominant to the Polynesian rat. It was hypothesized that this dominance would interfere with reproductive success of established Polynesian rat populations subjected to roof rat invasion and ecesis.
William B. Jackson (Advisor)
Biology

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Citations

  • McCartney, W. C. (1972). A Comparative Study of the Social Behavior, Organization, and Development of Two Species of the Genus Rattus (R. Exulans and R. Rattus) [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1555931250428778

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • McCartney, Willard. A Comparative Study of the Social Behavior, Organization, and Development of Two Species of the Genus Rattus (R. Exulans and R. Rattus). 1972. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1555931250428778.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • McCartney, Willard. "A Comparative Study of the Social Behavior, Organization, and Development of Two Species of the Genus Rattus (R. Exulans and R. Rattus)." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 1972. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1555931250428778

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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