Identification of resource ownership by scent communication in white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) : a test of Gosling's scent matching theory : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

This experiment explored the role of scent marking in communication of dominance and resource ownership in whitefooted mice (Peromyscus leucopus). We tested the hypothesis that scent marks made by a resource owner familiarize an intruder with its scent for future recognition and thus decrease aggression levels. An intruder mouse was placed in an aquarium scent-marked by a resource owner. When the two were placed in a neutral arena for behavioral observation, less aggression occurred than between pairs of mice that were unfamiliar with each other.