The development and interaction of operant and respondent behaviors in conditioned licking were compared in 7 species of rodents, 5 from desert habitats (Eutamias quadrivittatus, Neotoma micropus and albigula, Onychomys leucogaster, and Dipodymus ordi) and 2 from environments where water is freely available (Sigmodon hispidus and Rattus norvegicus). (a) Domesticated Norway rats showed superior conditioning over wild Norway rats and E. quadrivittatus, the only other groups to show continued improvement during the 10 daily sessions, and (b) species most inferior in conditioning showed the least apparent need for water and the lowest operant level of licking during initial sessions.
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