EFFECTS OF NOVEL ODOR EXPOSURE ON MATERNAL AGGRESSION IN MICE

A variety of novel odors increase both risk assessment and defensive b ehaviors and inhibit offensive attack among male mice. In this experim ent, the effects of a novel mammalian (wool) and nonmammalian (chocola te) odor on maternal aggression were examined. Both novel odors produc ed a mild suppression of lunge attacks. In addition, the chocolate odo r reduced boxing behavior and the wool odor increased grooming. Neithe r odor altered other social behaviors. The results are consistent with previous data in suggesting that odor novelty evokes fear-motivated d efensiveness and inhibits attack. These effects appear to be somewhat weaker than those seen among male mice, however.