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Cited by 137Primate Behavior and EcologyNeuroendocrine regulation and behaviorMemory and Neural Mechanisms

Ecological validity of social interaction tests in rats and mice

Open access
Kondrakiewicz, Kacper, Kostecki, Mateusz, Szadzińska, Weronika, Knapska, Ewelina·2019·Genes, Brain and Behavior
DOI 10.1111/gbb.12525
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Abstract

Different rat and mouse models are used in studies of social interactions. Simple behavioral measures, which are commonly used in the laboratory, allow to perform relatively short experiments and to use multiple brain manipulation techniques. However, too much focus on the simplest behavioral models generates a serious risk of reducing ecological validity or even studying phenomena which would never happen outside of the laboratory. In this review, we discuss the suitability of mice and rats as model organisms for studying social behaviors, with focus on social transmission of fear paradigms. First, we briefly introduce the concept of domestication and what impact it had on laboratory rodents. Then, we present two aspects of social behaviors, sociability and dominance, which are crucial for social organization in these species. Finally, we present experimental models used for studying how animals transmit information about danger between each other, and how these models may reflect what happens in the natural environment. We discuss the difficulties that arise from our limited knowledge of rat and mouse ecology, especially their social life. We also explore the subject of balancing ecological validity and controllability in rodent models of social behaviors, the latter being particularly important for studying brain activity. Although it is very challenging, an efficient program for social neuroscience research should, in our opinion, aim at bridging the gap between laboratory and field studies.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This review argues that common laboratory tests of rat and mouse social behavior often have limited ecological validity because domestication, housing, and inbreeding can alter sociability, aggression, and dominance relative to wild conspecifics. It recommends improving ecological relevance while preserving controllability, especially for social fear-transmission paradigms and brain research.

Key findings

  • Domestication can rapidly change social behavior: after 42 generations of selection, Belyaev’s tame rat line scored 2.95 versus −2.9 for the aggressive line on a −5 to 5 tameness scale; tame rats also showed increased open-field locomotor activity and lower basal plasma corticosterone.
  • Wild and laboratory rats differ in aggression: wild-type Groningen rats included low (<15%), intermediate (15%–55%), and high (>55%) aggression subpopulations, whereas Wistar rats ranged from 0% to maximally 40% or 50% with no high-aggression animals.
  • Social dominance is measurable in both species but differs: wild rats form stable, linear hierarchies; laboratory rats show dominance partly attenuated by unlimited food, same-sex housing, simple environments, and domestication, with some studies reporting ~5%–35% of groups lacking clear ranks. Mice are more territorial, and laboratory mice often maintain hierarchy through serious aggression.
  • Social fear transmission is modeled as imminent threat, remote threat, and fear conditioning by proxy; observers show freezing, decreased heart rate, increased risk assessment, and acoustic startle, with fear conditioning by proxy producing moderate freezing that is significantly lower than direct fear conditioning.

Methods

  • Design: narrative review comparing laboratory and wild rats and mice as models for social behavior, with focus on social transmission of fear.
  • Data/sample: no primary empirical sample; synthesizes published studies on domestication, sociability, social dominance, and threat-information transmission, plus a comparison table of rats versus mice.
  • Main analysis: qualitative synthesis of behavioral paradigms and ecological validity, including discussion of Eco-HAB and other automated group-monitoring approaches.

Limitations

  • The paper states that knowledge of rat and mouse ecology, especially social life, is limited; reports on rodent social life are often contradictory and highly context-dependent, and complex paradigms can be hard to control and reproduce.
  • The paper states that achieving an optimal trade-off between ecological validity and usefulness for neuroscience will probably require multiple models with different levels of complexity.
  • Evident from the text: this is not a systematic review or meta-analysis, many cited wild-behavior studies are old (e.g., 1980s), some evidence is unpublished, and the authors note no study testing mice or rats’ social behaviors in field settings in the way done for other behaviors.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/gbb.12525

Cites

189 of 189 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 279 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingcitation

    When conspecifics are cage-mates or siblings housed together, the threat response of the observer significantly increases in response to the demonstrator's conditioning compared with unfamiliar subjects.

    “When conspecifics are cage-mates or siblings housed together threat response of the observer significantly increases in response to the demonstrator's conditioning in comparison with unfamiliar subjects.152,161”
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  • Findingcitation

    Negative emotions are transferred more efficiently from dominant to subordinate individuals.

    “The results of the studies on the role of social hierarchy in emotional contagion suggest that negative emotions are transferred more efficiently from dominant to subordinate individuals.103”
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  • Findingcitation

    Fear conditioning by proxy leads to moderate levels of freezing when rats are exposed to the previously neutral and now emotionally charged stimulus on the day following the interaction.

    “Fear conditioning by proxy leads to moderate levels of freezing when the rats are exposed to the previously neutral and now emotionally charged stimulus on the day following the interaction.157”
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  • Findingcitation

    Vicarious freezing is significantly enhanced by prior experience with footshock.

    “Comparing the reaction of witnesses with or without previous footshock experience, it has been shown that vicarious freezing is significantly enhanced by prior experience.158”
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  • Findingcitation

    Zentall and Levine showed that rats were able to learn a task faster when they could observe experienced rats pressing a bar to receive water as a reward.

    “For instance, Zentall and Levine 173 showed that rats were able to learn the task faster when they could observe experienced rats pressing the bar to receive water as a reward.”
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    Findingcitation

    In the imminent threat paradigm, observers respond to the demonstrators' fear with freezing and decreased heart rate, both indicating high fear levels.

    “It has been shown that in the imminent threat paradigm the observers respond to the demonstrators' fear with freezing 152,158 and decreased heart rate, 159 both of which indicate high fear levels.”
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    Findingnone given

    With the use of these models it was shown that rodents are capable of emotional contagion with negative emotions both during direct observation and during exposure to a stressed cagemate in the safe environment of the home cage.

    “With the use of these models it was showed that rodents are capable of emotional contagion with negative emotions both during direct observation and during exposure to a stressed cagemate in the safe environment of the home cage.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Tracing individual behaviors of mice allows for controlling the position of mice in social hierarchy, as well as shows that mice respond to fear of others.

    “Tracing individual behaviors of mice allows also for controlling the position of mice in social hierarchy, as well as shows that mice respond to fear of others (unpublished data).”
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    Findingcitation

    Responses of observers can be elicited by rapid, random body movements, as well as the lack of movement.

    “Responses of the observers can be also elicited by rapid, random body movements, 152,174 as well as the lack of movement.175”
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    Findingcitation

    Unlike wild-type mice, those mutant mice continued to patrol those locations even when food was provided to shelters, which suggested problems with behavioral flexibility.

    “However, unlike wild-type mice, they continued to patrol those locations even when food was provided to shelters, which suggested problems with behavioral flexibility.184”
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    Findingcitation

    Knocking out a gene related to the biological clock did not dramatically shift circadian rhythm, which was much more influenced by environmental factors such as presence of snow cover.

    “For instance, knocking-out a gene related to biological clock did not dramatically shift circadian rhythm, which was much more influenced by environmental factors (ie, presence of snow cover 182 ).”
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    Findingcitation

    Mice with thickened mossy fiber pathway, which outperformed wild-types in standard spatial memory tasks, had actually lower chance of survival in a naturalistic environment, suggesting that low emotional reactivity related to hippocampal growth might be maladaptive outside laboratory context.

    “Another set of experiments showed that mice with thickened mossy fiber pathway-outperforming wild-types in standard spatial memory tasks-had actually lower chance of survival in naturalistic environment, suggesting that low emotional reactivity related to hippocampal growth might be maladaptive outside laboratory context.71,183”
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    Premisecitation

    Evolution can occur on short timescales, sometimes within 10 years.

    “First, the evolution does occur on short timescales, sometimes even within 10 years, as shown by Losos in his studies on the evolution of leg length in Anolis lizards on islands with different vegetation.28”
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    Premisecitation

    Laboratory animals are less aggressive and more tolerant to experimenters and cagemates than their wild counterparts.

    “The former are less aggressive and more tolerant not only to the experimenters, but also to their cagemates 26 (see also Section 3).”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Too much focus on the simplest behavioral models generates a serious risk of reducing ecological validity or studying phenomena that would never happen outside the laboratory.

    “However, too much focus on the simplest behavioral models generates a serious risk of reducing ecological validity or even studying phenomena which would never happen outside of the laboratory.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Interpretationcitation

    Ecologically relevant stimuli increase the chance of animals mastering the task quickly, reacting coherently, and consistently using similar, well-conserved neural circuitry.

    “It would increase the chance of animals mastering the task quickly, reacting in a coherent way and-crucially for brain studies-consistently using similar, well-conserved neural circuitry.10”
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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    There is no obvious reason to assume that high sociability is 'normal' for a healthy mouse.

    “But as we will discuss later, there is no obvious reason to assume that high sociability is”
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    Premisecitation

    Low food availability promotes antagonistic in-group interactions between rodents, and the advantages of dominant position become more pronounced under limited resources conditions.

    “For example, data from naturalistic settings suggests that low food availability promote antagonistic in-group interactions between rodents-the advantages of dominant position become more pronounced under limited resources conditions.24,25”
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    Interpretationnone given

    Fast evolutionary processes described in those studies occurred due to strong natural selection.

    “The two studies mentioned above describe a fast evolutionary process that happened due to strong natural selection present.”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Even though not all experiments have to be ecologically valid, an ecological perspective is crucial for the design and interpretation of research programs.

    “The general conclusion from all the arguments mentioned above is that even though not all experiments have to be ecologically valid, ecological perspective is crucial for the design and interpretation of research programs.”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Choosing ecologically relevant stimuli should improve robustness and stability of results.

    “Choosing ecologically relevant stimuli should also improve robustness and stability of results.”
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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Selection for tameness was present during the development of laboratory strains.

    “One may ask what kind of selection could have been present during the development of laboratory strains.The answer is tameness.”
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    Interpretationnone given

    Focusing on reactions crucial for survival in most environments is generally expected to improve the stability of results.

    “Focusing on reactions which are crucial for survival in most environments is generally expected to improve the stability of results.”
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    Premisecitation

    Wild rats from the wild-type Groningen line can be distinguished into three subpopulations characterized by low (<15%), intermediate (15%-55%), and high (>55%) aggression.

    “In rats from wild group three subpopulations could be distinguished, which were characterized by low (<15% time spent on aggressive behaviors), intermediate (15%-55%) and high (>55%) aggression.”
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    Premisecitation

    Stress induced by noise reduces fertility in male rats and results in killing the offspring.

    “Stress (induced by noise) reduces fertility in male rats 31 and results in killing the offspring.32”
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    Premisecitation

    Tame rats showed increased locomotor activity and lower basal plasma corticosterone levels compared with the aggressive line.

    “When tested in an open field test, tame rats showed increased locomotor activity and lower basal plasma corticosterone level as compared with the aggressive line.39”
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    Premisecitation

    Belyaev's fox experiment showed that wild foxes selected for tameness started exhibiting traits typical for domesticated dogs, approaching humans eagerly, wagging tails, and playing with experimenters.

    “Wild foxes, which are aggressive toward humans, started exhibiting traits typical for domesticated dogs.They approached humans eagerly, wagged their tails and played with the experimenters.37”
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    Premisecitation

    Laboratory strains of mice were more prone to head toward a human hand and stay on it when handled compared to wild animals, but the level of tameness differed between strains.

    “Less is known about the effect of domestication on the behavior of laboratory mice, but Goto et al have shown that laboratory strains of mice were more prone to head toward a human hand and stay on it when handled in comparison to wild animals, but the level of tameness differed between the strains.43”
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    Premisecitation

    Wild rats are aggressive, avoid humans, and often attack if escape is unavailable.

    “Wild rats are known for their aggressiveness.They avoid humans and, if escape is unavailable, often attack.30”
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    Premisecitation

    Wistar rats' aggression ranged from 0% to maximally 40% or 50%, with no high-aggression animals observed.

    “Distribution of Wistar rats was clearly different, their aggression ranged from 0% to maximally 40% or 50%, with no high-aggression animals observed.”
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    Premisecitation

    Rattus fuscipes and R. villosissimus have reduced levels of neophobia compared to wild R. rattus individuals, suggesting that anxious behavior of the latter might be an effect of selective pressure posed by humans.

    “Species of rats which were not so strongly influenced by living in a close proximity to humans (Rattus fuscipes and R. villosissimus) have shown that they have reduced levels of neophobia in comparison to wild R. rattus individuals, which suggest that anxious behavior of the latter might be an effect of the selective pressure posed by the humans (Cowan, Unpublished Data, cited in Reference 51).”
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    Premisecitation

    There is some evidence that a common mechanism related to crest cell function might be at least partially a cause of commonalities in domesticated animals.

    “The concept of”
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    Premisecitation

    Most fights between laboratory rats either happen during juvenile period in a play-like manner or finish after a short time without injuries.

    “Most of the fights between laboratory rats either happen during juvenile period in a play-like manner or finish after a short time without any injuries.50,55”
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    Premisecitation

    There is some evidence that both rats and mice can recognize individual conspecifics and choose different social behaviors depending on partner's identity.

    “There is some evidence that both species can recognize individual conspecifics 52,53 and, depending on partner's identity, choose different social behaviors (see Section 4).”
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    Premisecitation

    When the size of a rat collective exceeds around 20 animals, out-group aggression is reduced and rats ignore or accept unknown conspecifics.

    “Interestingly, it seems that when the size of such collective exceeds some threshold (around 20 animals), out-group aggression is reduced and rats ignore or accept also unknown conspecifics.66”
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    Premisecitation

    If all rats were introduced to a new cage at the same time, after some initial period aggression decreased: males most of the time ignored each other or behaved in an amicable way.

    “However, if all the rats were introduced to the new cage at the same time, after some initial period aggression decreased: the males most of the time ignored each other or behaved in an amicable way.”
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    Premisecitation

    Within wild rat groups, rats rarely fight with each other (but often attack intruders) and often sleep together in common burrows.

    “Within those groups, rats rarely fight with each other (but often attack intruders) and often sleep together in common burrows.25”
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    Premisecitation

    Single-housing or reducing the number of animals kept in one cage can be a major stressor for rats; after such isolation they display increased motivation to engage in social behaviors.

    “Importantly, single-housing or even reducing the number of animals kept in one cage, can be a major stressor for the rats [59][60][61] (but see Reference 62); after such period of isolation they display increased motivation to engage in social behaviors.63”
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    Premisecitation

    Huddling appears at birth (related to thermoregulation) and persists in a weaker form throughout adulthood in rats.

    “The most basic behavior reflecting a tendency to form groups, huddling, appears at birth (when it is related to thermoregulation) and persists in a weaker form throughout adulthood.58”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Both laboratory and wild rats can be accurately described as 'social animals'.

    “Still, both laboratory and wild rats can be accurately described as”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Interpretationreasoning

    Domestication clearly decreased aggression in rats, but there is no evidence for other major changes in basic sociability.

    “Domestication clearly decreased aggression in rats, but there is no evidence for other major changes in basic sociability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Interpretationreasoning

    Both laboratory and wild rats display robust sociability toward members of their own group.

    “To sum up, both laboratory and wild rats display robust sociability toward members of their own group.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisecitation

    In some cases, extremely dominant male rats live in harem-like groups with females only; this type of social organization is probably common especially in feral areas with very low population densities.

    “In some cases, extremely dominant males live in harem-like groups with females only; this type of social organization is probably common especially in feral areas with very low population densities.24”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Reactions to out-group members in rats can vary from acceptance to aggression depending on context, and there is no telling which one is more 'natural'.

    “Reactions to out-group members, depending on the context, can vary from acceptance to aggression and there is no telling which one of those is more”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisecitation

    Laboratory mice can be much more violent than rats; cases of death due to aggression are not uncommon, especially after placing stranger mice into a common cage.

    “Laboratory mice can be much more violent than rats-cases of death due to aggression are not uncommon, especially after placing stranger mice into a common cage. 68,69”
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    Premisecitation

    Laboratory mice have a tendency to group together and display all of the amicable behaviors mentioned previously for rats.

    “They also have a tendency to group together and display all of the amicable behaviors mentioned previously.51,68”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    In the laboratory we study much smaller groups (living in smaller habitats) than in nature, so we probably observe only the most simplistic or extreme forms of social interactions.

    “One should keep in mind, however, that in the laboratory we study much smaller groups (living in smaller habitats) than in nature.As a result, we probably observe only the most simplistic, or extreme, forms of social interactions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisecitation

    Rats that transfer from one collective to another are usually subordinates, do not play an active reproductive role, and often are unsuccessful in maintaining body weight.

    “Some rats transfer from one collective to another.These individuals, however, are usually subordinates.25 They do not play an active reproductive role, and often are unsuccessful in maintaining body weight (see Section 4).”
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    Premisecitation

    Some strains of mice are more 'social' than others; some tend to group together more and/or engage in more social interactions.

    “There is compelling evidence that some strains are more”
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    Premisecitation

    In the laboratory, mice are more often than rats kept in large groups (more than 10 animals), which facilitates studying high-order social behaviors such as emergence of social networks.

    “Finally, in the laboratory, mice are more often than rats kept in large groups (ie, more than 10 animals), which facilitates studying high-order social behaviors which cannot be reduced to interactions within dyads, for example, emergence of social networks.1,2,72”
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    Premisecitation

    Mice are much more diverse in terms of genetic background; the Jackson Laboratory alone offers more than 8000 inbred, outbred and transgenic lines.

    “Mice are much more diverse in terms of genetic background; for example, the Jackson Laboratory alone offers more than 8000 inbred, outbred and transgenic lines (https://www.jax. org/).”
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    Premisecitation

    Although initial fighting between female mice is possible, commonly a few of them can live peacefully on territory of one dominant male and sometimes even nest together.

    “Although initial fighting between females is also possible, commonly a few of them can live peacefully on territory of one dominant male 73,79,80 and sometimes even nest together.81”
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    Premisecitation

    Some authors reported that female mice form stable territories (overlapping with male ones) also outside breeding season.

    “Some authors reported that females form stable territories (overlapping with male ones) also outside breeding season.74,75”
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    Premisecitation

    When mice are introduced to a new, unoccupied space, they also show territorial behaviors and become aggressive themselves.

    “What is important, when those mice are introduced to a new, unoccupied space, they also show territorial behaviors and become aggressive themselves.”
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    Interpretationnone given

    Data on wild mice social behaviors outside the laboratory is rather limited; one can generally expect high levels of territoriality displayed by individual males and only some sociability between females.

    “Unfortunately, the data on wild mice social behaviors outside the laboratory is rather limited; still, one can generally expect high levels of territoriality displayed by individual males and only some sociability between females.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Interpretationreasoning

    Sociability of laboratory mice in general seems to be much more variable than in rats, and often quite different from what one finds in nature.

    “To conclude, sociability of laboratory mice in general seems to be much more variable than in rats, and often quite different from what one finds in nature.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Both territoriality and aggression might be significantly reduced in laboratory mice, depending on the strain.

    “Both territoriality and aggression (which not necessarily come together, as described by Reference 90) might be significantly reduced in laboratory mice, depending on the strain.91”
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    Interpretationcitation

    Wild mice are capable of living in peaceful groups, but this type of social organization is most likely to occur as a consequence of confined/simplistic environment, high concentration of food, and overcrowding, which are all typically related to human activity.

    “Taken together, wild mice are capable of living in peaceful groups, but this type of social organization is most likely to occur as a consequence of confined/simplistic environment, high concentration of food and overcrowding-which are all typically related to human activity.24,77,88,89”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [24]

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    • cites [77] source

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    • cites [88] source

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    • cites [89] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Bigger and more complex environments, which permit assigning of separate areas, promote territoriality, but can also limit aggression by leaving some ways to escape.

    “Bigger and more complex environments, which permit assigning of separate areas, promote territoriality (but, on the other hand, can limit the aggression by leaving some ways to escape; see Reference 83).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [83] source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The annual increase in population density leads to bigger overlaps between territories of wild male mice.

    “Chambers et al 75 reported that the annual increase in population density leads to bigger overlaps between territories of wild males.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Chambers et al 75

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Under some conditions, mice are probably capable of living in bigger family groups, but it is not clear if males other than dominant can reproduce in that case.

    “Under some conditions this species is probably capable of living in bigger family groups, but it is not clear if males other than dominant can reproduce in that case (see Section 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Subordinate members of a group are sometimes divided into 'betas' (which initiate contacts with the dominant and seem well-adapted to their social rank) and 'omegas' (which avoid alpha and suffer from high stress, weight loss, and increased mortality).

    “Other, subordinate members of the group are sometimes divided into two subgroups 50 :”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [50]

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    There are some reports about mice living in nature peacefully in big family groups, but they are much less common.

    “It should be mentioned that there are some reports about mice living in nature peacefully in big family groups; however, they are much less common 85 (cited by References 68,76,86).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [85] source

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    • cites [68] source

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    • cites [76]

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    • cites [86] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This suggests that omegas are the animals which do not accept their social position and might be the most probable to either change it or leave the colony.

    “This suggests that omegas are the animals which do not accept their social position and might be the most probable to either change it or leave the colony.25,50”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [25] source

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    • cites [50]

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Two extreme kinds of social structure are possible: subordinate animals can form transitive dominance relationships (linear dominance hierarchy) or be equal to each other (uniform, despotic group with one dominant).

    “Within this basic picture, two extreme kinds of social structure are possible: the subordinate animals can form transitive dominance relationships between them (which results in linear dominance hierarchy, that is, Reference 96), or be equal to each other (comprising uniform, despotic group with one dominant, that is, Reference 97).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [96] source

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    • cites [97] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Factors that increase the probability of an animal becoming dominant are: longer residence on a given territory than a rival, being older and heavier, history of winning previous fights, and lack of stressful, traumatizing events.

    “Those are: longer residence on a given territory than a rival, being older and heavier, history of winning previous fights and lack of stressful, traumatizing events.25,50,76,92,104”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [25] source

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    • cites [50]

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    • cites [76]

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    • cites [92] source

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    • cites [104] source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted).

    Premisereasoning

    Dominance is a multidimensional trait.

    “This lead to hypothesis that dominance is a multidimensional trait.101,102”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [101]

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    • cites [102]

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dominants might win spontaneous fights but have no obvious advantage in competing for rewards, or might have advantage regarding only some kinds of resources.

    “For example, dominants might win spontaneous fights but have no obvious advantage in competing for rewards, or might have advantage regarding only some kinds of resources.99,100”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [99] source

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    • cites [100] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Instances of overt aggression were rare and happened typically between animals of similar rank.

    “Instances of overt aggression were rare and happened typically between animals of similar rank.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Berdoy et al 104

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Calhoun observed that only some individuals were typically attacked by other rats, and that the length of chase was related to the discrepancy between their ranks.

    “Calhoun observed that only some individuals were typically attacked by other rats, and that the length of chase was related to the discrepancy between their ranks.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Calhoun 25,104

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Taken together, the observations suggest that wild rats form rich, stable and linear dominance hierarchies.

    “Taken together, the observations suggest that wild rats form rich, stable and linear dominance hierarchies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In male rats, fights are generally much more common than in females, but social ranks have been observed also among females.

    “In males, fights are generally much more common than in females, but some authors managed to observe social ranks also among the latter.56,94,111,112”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [56] source

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    • cites [94] source

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    • cites [111] source

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    • cites [112] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In a similar study by Berdoy et al, wild rats also formed stable, linear hierarchy, explained mainly by age.

    “In a similar study by Berdoy et al 104 wild rats also formed stable, linear hierarchy, explained mainly by age.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Berdoy et al 104

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Laboratory rats display spontaneous play fighting, which seems to have an important role in the development of social skills such as coping with aggressive individuals.

    “Laboratory rats display spontaneous play fighting, which seems to have important role in the development of social skills-like coping with aggressive individuals.105,106”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [105] source

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    • cites [106] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Although dominance between female rats is typically much less pronounced and they display fewer fights and injuries than males, they probably form dominance ranks as well.

    “Although dominance between females is typically much less pronounced and they display fewer fights and injuries than males, they probably form dominance ranks as well.25”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [25] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Play fighting in rats, unlike serious fighting, typically does not involve biting or threat postures, but is based on trying to reach the opponent's nape or protecting one's own.

    “This type of social interactioncontrary to serious fighting-typically does not involve any biting nor threat postures, but instead is based on trying to reach opponent's nape or protecting one's own.54 (see also Reference 107).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [54] source

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    • cites [107] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In most pairs of rats, one animal initiates play more often and in adulthood is also pinned down more frequently.

    “In most pairs of rats one animal initiates play more often (and in adulthood is also pinned down more frequently), which is believed to reflect subordinate status.95,108”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [95] source

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    • cites [108]

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Wild rats from the first laboratory-born generation also display play fighting, but less frequently and with slightly different tactics, keeping more distance than laboratory counterparts.

    “There is some evidence that wild rats (from the first laboratoryborn generation) also display play fighting, but they do it less frequently and employ slightly different tactics, that is, keeping more distance than their laboratory counterparts.40,41”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [40] source

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    • cites [41]

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Both laboratory and wild alpha rats are more likely to copulate, but subordinate males usually have chances to reproduce as well.

    “Both laboratory and wild alphas are more probable to copulate, but subordinate males usually have chances to reproduce as well 50,104,128 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [50]

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    • cites [104] source

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    • cites [128] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Play fighting in rats is most common during the early juvenile period and then gradually decreases, while serious fighting is generally rare even in naturalistic settings.

    “Firstly, play fighting is most common during the early juvenile period (and then it gradually decreases 102,117 ), while serious fighting is generally rare even in naturalistic settings. 118”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [102]

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    • cites [117] source

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    • cites [118] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The dominance of domesticated over wild rats in laboratory tests can be explained by higher body mass, social disinhibition, or captivity stress affecting wild animals.

    “When tested together under laboratory conditions, domesticated rats dominate over wild counterparts, which can be explained by higher body mass, social disinhibition or huge captivity stress affecting wild animals.[113][114][115][116]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [113][114][115][116]

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The discrepancy in corticosterone findings between dominant and subordinate rats is probably related to either rank or exposure to different kinds of stressors.

    “Data on stress levels seems to be inconclusive: in some studies it is the subordinates, in others, the dominants that display higher levels of corticosterone.This discrepancy is probably related to either rank or exposure to different kinds of stressors.[130][131][132][133]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [130][131][132][133]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Social stressors play a major role in the regulation of wild rat populations: omega rats have the lowest chance of survival despite access to food and housing.

    “Keeping this in mind, social stressors play major role in the regulation of wild rats population: omegas have the lowest chance of survival despite access to food 25,50 and housing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [25] source

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    • cites [50]

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Social domination is especially profitable when resources are really limited, but at the same time it seems related to a higher risk of predator or intruder attack.

    “Taken together, the data indicates that social domination is especially profitable when resources are really limited, but at the same time it seems to be related to higher risk of predator or intruder attack.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Social dominance can be reliably found in mice kept in captivity, both laboratory mice and wild ones.

    “Keeping this limitation in mind, social dominance can be reliably found in mice kept in captivity.This is true both for laboratory mice 72,92,96,135,136 and wild ones.80,137”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [72] source

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    • cites [92] source

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    • cites [96] source

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    • cites [135] source

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    • cites [136] source

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    • cites [80] source

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    • cites [137] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Experimental work confirmed that laboratory-reared wild mice defended individual territories when kept in large pens, while in confined space they formed dominance hierarchies under equal population densities.

    “Indeed, experimental work confirmed that laboratory-reared wild mice defended individual territories when kept in large pens, while in confined space they formed dominance hierarchies under equal population densities.74”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [74] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Contrary to rats, mice display play fighting very rarely and only in its most rudimentary form.

    “Contrary to rats, mice display play fighting very rarely and only in its most rudimentary form.139”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [139] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Social hierarchy in mice is maintained through constant, serious aggression, whose intensity can hugely differ between lines.

    “Social hierarchy is maintained through constant, serious aggression, 24,96 which intensity can hugely differ between lines.70,91”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [24]

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    • cites [96] source

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    • cites [70] source

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    • cites [91] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dominant mice leave more scent marks, which probably repels subordinates.

    “Dominants are known to leave more scent marks, which probably repels subordinates as well.89,137”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [89] source

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    • cites [137] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In some studies subordinate mice form linear hierarchies, while in others ranking is more despotic.

    “In some studies the subordinates form linear hierarchies, 136,138,141 while in others ranking is more despotic.80,97,142”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 6 sources checked
    • cites [136] source

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    • cites [138] source

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    • cites [141] source

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    • cites [80] source

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    • cites [97] source

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    • cites [142] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In mice, a dominant male's position is first established through fighting; after some time individuals most probably recognize each other and often react with chase, flight or avoidance before actual contact.

    “At first his position is established through fighting.After some time the individuals most probably recognize each other and often react with chase, flight or avoidance before the actual contact.84,138”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [84] source

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    • cites [138] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Social rank directly influences reproduction in mice at least in two ways: subordinate males can be chased away from females by dominants, and females are more permissive to copulate with dominants.

    “Importantly, social rank directly influences reproduction at least in two ways: subordinate males can be chased away from the females by dominants 76,82,145 and the females are more permissive to copulate with the dominants.144”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [76]

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    • cites [82] source

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    • cites [145] source

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    • cites [144] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Similar reproductive advantage of dominance was observed in laboratory mice, but it might be hard to estimate how significant it actually is.

    “Similar reproductive advantage of dominance was observed also in laboratory mice, but in practice it might be hard to estimate how significant it actually is.146”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [146] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In naturalistic conditions, more aggressive male mice control bigger and more favorable territories, which results in a higher chance of attracting females.

    “In naturalistic conditions more aggressive males control bigger and more favorable territories, which results in higher chance of attracting females.144,145”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [144] source

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    • cites [145] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Reports of hierarchy among female mice exist but are much less common than among males.

    “Although there are some reports about hierarchy among females as well, these are much less common 143 (Winiarski, unpublished data; see also Reference 81).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [143] source

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    • cites [81] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Mice are much more territorial, which gives the most competitive individuals a straightforward advantage: controlling bigger area and better access to food and sexual partners.

    “Mice are much more territorial (for inter-strain differences, see Reference 91), which gives the most competitive individuals straightforward advantage-controlling bigger area and better access to food and sexual partners.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [91] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Social hierarchies studied in rats and mice might reflect qualitatively different processes, which require different measuring strategies and possibly depend on different brain circuitry.

    “Taken together, social hierarchies studied in rats and mice might reflect qualitatively different processes, which require different measuring strategies (and possibly depend on different brain circuitry).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    In laboratory mice, instead of peaceful, stable relationships reflected by play, there seems to be constant rivalry among individuals, often expressed as serious aggression.

    “Instead of peaceful, stable relationships reflected by play, there seems to be constant rivalry among the individuals, 24 often expressed as serious aggression.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [24]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Rats form cohesive groups, in which social rank influences reproductive and defensive strategies.

    “Rats form cohesive groups, in which social rank influences reproductive and defensive strategies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Higher aggression, at least in some strains, and the common practice of keeping mice in big groups makes it easier to observe truly linear hierarchies.

    “Higher aggression (at least in some strains) and common practice of keeping mice in big groups makes it easier to observe truly linear hierarchies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: In laboratory conditions, measuring social hierarchy in mice is less challenging than in rats; there is no study in which it would be impossible to assess for each cage which male is dominant.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    There are at least two reasons to believe that rats or mice display social transmission of information about threats: it is described in many other species, and laboratory mice and rats emit alarm calls in different modalities.

    “However, there are at least two reasons to believe that they display this form of social behaviors.First, it was described in many other species, including birds, monkeys and zebrafish.148,149 Secondly, laboratory mice and rats do emit alarm calls in different modalities (see below).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [148] source

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    • cites [149] source

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    • Rests on an assumption: Animals with well-developed social skills are able to predict the presence of a predator by observing behavior of conspecifics.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In situations involving potential danger as opposed to present danger, animals perform risk assessment behaviors, including approach and scanning; when danger is present, defensive responses such as freezing, flight or defensive attack appear.

    “In situations involving potential danger as opposed to present danger, animals perform”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [160] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mice do not vocalize as often as rats, and their ultrasonic communication has not been studied as thoroughly; nevertheless, some evidence suggests vocalizations can facilitate or inhibit social interactions of mice depending on context.

    “Mice do not vocalize so often as rats and thus their ultrasonic communication has not been studied so thoroughly, nevertheless some evidence suggest that vocalizations can facilitate or inhibit social interactions of mice depending on the context.168”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [168]

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Although the level of freezing is significantly lower than in animals fear conditioned directly, these results indicate that rats are able to learn fear socially.

    “Although the level of freezing is significantly lower than in animals fear conditioned directly, these results clearly indicate that rats are able to learn fear socially.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Observation of others may lead to two basic types of reactions: emotional contagion or behavioral mimicry.

    “Such observation may lead to two basic types of reactions: emotional contagion or behavioral mimicry.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While exposed to a threat, rats release alarm pheromones, which can induce hypothermia, defensive and risk assessment behaviors, increase emotional arousal as measured by acoustic startle reflex, and inhibit behaviors not compatible with environmental requirements such as sexual behavior.

    “While exposed to a threat, rats release alarm pheromones, which can induce hypothermia, defensive and risk assessment behaviors, increase emotional arousal as measured by acoustic startle reflex, as well as inhibit behaviors that are not compatible with requirements of the environment, such as sexual behavior.[169][170][171][172]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [169][170][171][172]

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In rats, ultrasonic vocalizations at 22 kHz constitute alarm calls used in the face of threat, and they are produced only in the presence of conspecifics.

    “For instance, it has been shown that in rats ultrasonic vocalizations at 22 kHz constitute the alarm calls used in the face of threat.Importantly, they are produced only in the presence of conspecifics.162,163”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [162] source

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    • cites [163] source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Knowing exactly what kind of model we would like to construct does not mean it will be working efficiently in laboratory conditions.

    “Another difficulty is much more practical: knowing exactly what kind of model we would like to construct does not mean it will be working efficiently in laboratory conditions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Laboratory rats are known to react with low stress to handling by humans, which makes them especially useful for traditional behavioral assays.

    “For example, laboratory rats are known to react with low stress to handling by humans, which makes them especially useful for traditional behavioral assays.50”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [50]

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Achieving an optimal trade-off between ecological validity and usefulness for neuroscience will probably require using multiple models with different levels of complexity.

    “Achieving optimal trade-off between ecological validity and usefulness for neuroscience will probably require using multiple models with different levels of complexity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Psychological studies show that in humans sharing of affect across group members, achieved through emotional contagion, improves intra-group communication and facilitates group bonding.

    “Psychological studies show that in humans sharing of affect across group members, which is achieved through emotional contagion, improves intra-group communication and facilitates group bonding.176,177”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [176] source

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    • cites [177] source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Automated systems for measuring social interactions in group-living animals are becoming more and more popular.

    “Such systems are becoming more and more popular.1,2,179”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [1] source

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    • cites [2] source

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    • cites [179] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Reports about rodent social life are often contradictory and lead to the conclusion that this phenomenon is highly context-dependent.

    “The reports about rodent social life are often contradictory and leave no other option than to conclude that this phenomenon is highly context-dependent.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Very few general statements on how normal social interactions look can be taken as universally valid.

    “Although the authors of this review tried to formulate some general statements on how”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    There is ample evidence that animals of different species share emotions, either through inadvertent cues or through specifically evolved signals.

    “There is also ample evidence that animals of different species share emotions, either through inadvertent cues or through specifically evolved signals.178”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [178] source

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisereasoning

    One obvious limitation of current paradigms is the use of electric footshocks as stressors.

    “One obvious limitation of current paradigms is the use of electric footshocks as stressors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mice are usually harder to habituate, but easier to house in big groups and complex environments.

    “Mice are usually harder to habituate, but on the other hand easier to house in big groups and complex environments.1,51”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [1] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [51] source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Such demands can be troublesome to control, which may affect the reproducibility of the results.

    “Such demands can be troublesome to control, which may affect the reproducibility of the results.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Since shared affect can be maladaptive, one could expect precise mechanisms regulating its spread.

    “Since shared affect can be maladaptive, one could expect precise mechanisms regulating its spread.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Shared affect can be maladaptive.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    For the sake of simplicity and controllability of neuronal manipulations, laboratory models sacrifice ecological relevance of the studies.

    “However, for the sake of simplicity and controllability of neuronal manipulations, the laboratory models sacrifice ecological relevance of the studies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The models described proved useful in studying simple behavioral responses as well as neural circuits involved in sharing emotional states.

    “The models described above and in other articles of this issue proved to be useful in studying simple behavioral responses as well as neural circuits involved in sharing emotional states.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This decline of interest in rodent natural behavior might have inapparent consequences for distant fields of neuroscience; for example, designing useful models of psychiatric disorders is not very probable without basic knowledge about model organisms.

    “This decline of interests in rodent natural behavior might have inapparent consequences for distant fields of neuroscience, for example, designing useful models of psychiatric disorders is not very probable without basic knowledge about model organisms.21”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Together with very different types of social organization, those characteristics make mice and rats two complementary models, suitable for answering different questions.

    “Together with very different types of social organization, those characteristics make mice and rats two complementary models, suitable for answering different questions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    RFID technology combined with live-trapping enables tracking animals on long time-scales, from weeks to years, and studying both locomotor behavior of individuals and population dynamics.

    “For example, RFID technology combined with live-trapping enables to track animals on long time-scales (weeks to years) and study both locomotor behavior of individuals and population dynamics.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationnone given

    Solid knowledge about natural behavior can substantially improve both construct validity and generalizability of laboratory studies.

    “As showed many times in this review, solid knowledge about natural behavior can substantially improve both construct validity and generalizability of laboratory studies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
120 of 120

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Rats that were especially aggressive toward humans were excluded from breeding for practical reasons.

    “It seems reasonable to assume that rats that were especially aggressive toward humans were excluded from breeding for practical reasons.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In the wild, mice often live in family groups that are not complex enough for the emergence of true dominance hierarchies.

    “As already mentioned, in the wild mice often live in family groups that are not complex enough for the emergence of true dominance hierarchies.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Territoriality is quite robust in mice.

    “At the same time, territoriality seems to be quite robust in this species.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In laboratory conditions, measuring social hierarchy in mice is less challenging than in rats; there is no study in which it would be impossible to assess for each cage which male is dominant.

    “It seems that in laboratory conditions measuring social hierarchy in mice is less challenging than in rats-we are not aware of any study in which it would be impossible to asses for each cage which male is dominant.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Animals with well-developed social skills are able to predict the presence of a predator by observing behavior of conspecifics.

    “Another important example is that animals with well-developed social skills are able to predict the presence of predator by observing behavior of conspecifics.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    No between-species differences were observed in the models of imminent and remote threat in rats and mice.

    “No between species differences were observed in the models of imminent and remote threat in rats and mice.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Rats respond anxiously to stress odors of conspecifics, as well as their own stress odors.

    “Rats respond anxiously to the stress odors of conspecifics, as well as their own stress odors.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    It is not entirely clear whether and how socially evoked emotions are related to affiliative bonds and physical and social contexts, such as number of interacting animals and group composition.

    “However it is not entirely clear whether and how socially evoked emotions are related to affiliative bonds and physical and social contexts, for example, the number of interacting animals and the group's composition.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Shared affect can be maladaptive.

    “Since shared affect can be maladaptive, one could expect precise mechanisms regulating its spread.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The authors are not aware of any study which would test mice or rats social behaviors in a similar way.

    “Unfortunately, we are not aware of any study which would test mice or rats social behaviors in a similar way.”
10 of 10

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 190 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Hammond KR, 1998, Ecological Validity: Then and Now
  2. Berdoy M, 2007, Rodent Societies: An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective
  3. Barnett S, 1963, The Rat: A Study in Behavior
  4. Crowcroft P, 1966, Mice all over
  5. Barnett SA, 1951, Feeding, social behaviour and interspecific competition in wild rats, Behaviour, 3, 229
  6. Owings DH, 2007, Rodent Societies: An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Kondrakiewicz, K., Kostecki, M., Szadzińska, W., & Knapska, E.
Affiliations
  • Instytut Biologii Doświadczalnej im. Marcelego Nenckiego (PL)
  • Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw Poland
Corresponding author
Knapska, Ewelina
ORCID
Venue
Genes, Brain and Behavior
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2018-11-13
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
e12525-e12525
ISSN
  • 1601-183X (ISSN-L)
  • 1601-1848
DOI
10.1111/gbb.12525
OpenAlex
W2898018470
Cited by
136
References
190
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 26 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 4
FWCI
1.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Genes Brain & Behavior (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
H2020 European Research Council (H 415148)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Primate Behavior and Ecology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Keywords
ecological validity, social behavior, laboratory rodents, rats, mice, sociability, dominance, domestication, rodent ecology, social neuroscience, model organisms, controllability
MeSH terms
Domestication, Animals, Animal Communication, Ethology, Genetics, Behavioral, Social Behavior, Ecosystem, Mice, Rats

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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