DEVELOPMENTAL-CHANGES IN THERMAL AND OLFACTORY INFLUENCES ON GOLDEN-HAMSTER PUPS

Golden hamster pups ages 3 to 16 days were tested in three different experimental situations involving different combinations of thermal and olfactory stimuli. Preference for the odor of home cage shavings over fresh shavings occurred throughout the test period and reached a peak on Days 7-8. Preference for warmth declined after Day 8 and changed to a cool preference by Day 13. During declining thermotaxis, the presence of home odor altered the pups' behavior on the thermal dimension. The combination of warmth and home odor was more attractive than either one alone. The developmental changes when thermal and olfactory cues are present can be characterized as sequential periods of stimulus dominance, independence, and interaction. © 1979 Academic Press, Inc.