Aggressive, Defensive, and Submissive Behavior

Abstract

Abstract This chapter discusses aggressive behavior in rats. Aggressive behavior, although infrequent, is part of life in a colony, particularly during its formation, and these interactions within the group are referred to as dominance or within-group aggressive behavior. As in their feral counterparts, the most potent trigger for aggressive behavior in resident male laboratory rats is the intrusion by an unfamiliar adult male, and these interactions are called resident-intruder aggression. Aggressive behavior by a female resident is more likely in the initial postpartum period, at which time the dam attacks both male and female intruders (maternal aggression).