This paper reports an observational study of the effects of handling on the social behavior of squirrel monkeys who received a protein deficient diet. After birth, experimental animals received a low-protein diet for a 6-week period. A subgroup of these animals were handled between 3 and 12 weeks of age. All of the animals interacted (in four…

The psychological effects of exercise training are difficult to study in humans, but analogous emotionality changes in animals can be studied using simple measurements employed in emergence and open-field tests. The basis of these tests is that animals that are more emotional are more fearful when placed in a novel situation and will exhibit less…

This paper attempts a unified explanation of such apparently non-utilitarian behaviors as curiosity, manipulation, and exploration as manifestations of "playful behaviors" on the one hand and stereotyped responses on the other. Sensorhesis names the new theory offered to explain the existence and nature of playful behavior. Play and stereotyped…

As one booklet in a series on rodent control, this training guide has been developed to assist administrators, rodent-control operators, and others responsible for rodent-control operations in the training of employees in this field. Topics covered include rodents and human welfare, description and habits of domestic rats and mice, rodent-borne…

A comparative approach to the study of communication can be seen as extremely valuable for a thorough understanding of human communication. In its broadest sense, communication is a biological phenomenon, defined as the interchange of information between an organism and its environment. Communication systems of living organisms differ…

Even though many investigators have observed increased intakes of edibles as a function of prior exposure, little systematic research has been done on the effect. The present study was designed to investigate the phenomenon in domesticated rats with a concentrated solution of sodium saccharin used as the ingested substance. (Author)

Computer models of asymptotic reversal learning in pigeons were evaluated on the basis of the results of five experiments which defined the asymptotic pattern of within-sessions and between-sessions reversal (Experiment 1) and which provided data on the effects of intertrial interval (Experiment 2), amount of training preceding reversal…

The topic of altruistic behavior is an important one in studying the evolution of behavior. It is questioned whether natural selection can actually favor patterns of behavior that apparently do not favor the survival of the individual. Game theory models are presented to help explore the problem. (MA)

This article addresses the following questions: (1) What are the aims and claims of contemporary sociobiology? (2) How does the enterprise fit into the history of ideas? and (3) Does sociobiology have the earmarks of being the beginning of a major synthesis? (Author/AM)

The dangers of a sociobiological approach to the problem of mind are discussed. (Author/AM)

Results from an investigation of 614 adolescents' ratings of forms of child and pet maltreatment indicated that adolescents were highly critical of acts which constitute maltreatment, more critical of abusive than neglectful acts, less tolerant of child abuse than pet abuse, but more tolerant of physical force directed toward a child if they had…

Stamps can enhance the curriculum for gifted students and serve as an exciting introduction to a new hobby as well as a mechanism for developing skills of self-directed learning. Suggestions for followup activities using theme stamp albums (famous persons, science and scientists, animals, and transportation) are given. (CB)

Provides background information for teachers on the physical and physiological characteristics of fruit flies. Explains their role and function in the study of heredity. Upholds their value as a manageable and safe laboratory animal. (ML)

Reviews studies that suggest certain relationships between sex and the attitudes of elementary, secondary, and college students' attitudes toward animal preferences and animal welfare. Implications of these studies for human education curriculum and instruction are considered. (JN)

Discusses issues related to the role of the zoo in environmental education. Suggests that zoos must learn to interpret their collections (through better enclosure, design, graphics, labels, and guides) to influence attitudes of visitors toward the natural world and to become aware of the community's educational needs. (JN)