This chapter examines play and fighting behavior in rats. It begins with a discussion of serious fighting of adults, which is then contrasted with the playful fighting of juveniles. It shows that serious and playful fighting are distinct behaviors in rats, with play derived from sex, not aggression. Rats have modified the sexual content of play fighting and have co-opted its use in adulthood for quasi-aggressive purposes. © 2005 by Oxford University Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
Play and Fighting
Author: Pellis, S.M., Pellis, V.C.
Subject(s): Play Behaviors-Rats Year Published: 2009
Journal Title: The Behavior of the Laboratory Rat: A Handbook with Tests
NIFP Rating: 8
NIFP Note: NIFP Note
