Restricted Perceptual Experience Effects on the Later Avoidance Behavior of Two Subspecies of Deermice,Peromyscus Leucopus and Peromyscus Polionotus

Abstract

Groups of Peromyscus leucopus and Peromyscus polionotus were placed under conditions of restricted perceptual experience at two different ages and for two periods of time. In testing for effects on later avoidance behavior, measures were taken of the time required before S drank water while in a novel setting, reactivity to shock, and speed of avoidance conditioning and extinction. Duration and age of restricted perceptual experience had no systematic effect on avoidance behavior across or within subspecies; effects varied with subspecies and the measure under consideration. Decrements in avoidance behavior were more marked and longer lasting for Peromyscus polionotus and, depending upon the measure, were primarily a function of either duration or age of restricted perceptual experience.