Learning to cope with two different food distributions: The performance ofhouse mice (Mus musculus domesticus)

Search abilities of mice (Mus musculus domesticus) were evaluated using an arena closed by a ceiling in which 9 food sources (which mice could reach s tanding on their hind legs) could be arranged according to 2 configurations : a 3 x 3 square matrix and 3 clusters each containing 3 food sources. Test ing conditions prevented olfactory and visual cues from being left after vi sits to food sources, and mice were able to choose alternative routes betwe en food sources. Results showed that mice were more efficient with the matr ix than with the cluster configuration. Sex differences were observed: Fema les improved their performance with both configurations, whereas males impr oved only with the matrix one. Mice did not develop evident search strategi es that would minimize task complexity. Comparison with data published on c apuchin monkeys revealed differences, with monkeys performing better with t he cluster configuration than with the matrix and applying searching strate gies.