SEXUALLY DIMORPHIC ASPECTS OF SPONTANEOUS ACTIVITY IN MEADOW VOLES (MICROTUS-PENNSYLVANICUS) - EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FOX ODOR

In this study, a multivariate analysis of the locomotor activity of ad ult, breeding male and female meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) w as conducted. Overall, male voles made more movements and spent more t ime in the center of the activity chambers than did female voles. The authors further investigated the effects of brief exposure (3 min) to predator (red fox [Vulpes vulpes]) odor and various control odors (but yric acid, extract of orange) on subsequent activity. Control odors ha d no effects. Immediately following exposure to the fox odor, male vol es exhibited significantly lower levels of activity and decreased cent er time. No significant changes in any activity variable were observed in the female voles following exposure to fox odor. This study provid es evidence for sex differences in both basal activity levels of meado w voles and activity following exposure to a predator odor.