Odor-Based Runway Performance of Rats as A Function of Type of Reinforcer and Multiple Deprivation Conditions

Extending the generality of the odor hypothesis: Double-alternation responding in the wood rat (Neotoma floridana osagensis)

“…Electrophysiological recordings of mitral cells in the rat's olfactory bulb have verified the existence of such proposed Rand N odors (Voorhees & Remley, 1981). Davis, Nash, Anderson, and Weaver (1985) have suggested the integration of this body of odor research within the context of optimal foraging theory (e.g., Charnov, 1976;Krebs, Houston, & Charnov, 1981;Mellgren, 1982;Mellgren, Misasi, & Brown, 1984). Certainly, it appears reasonable to suggest that such odors could be employed as cues to enhance effective and/or efficient foraging for food by rats in the natural environment.…”