Reply to Wilcock on gene action and behavior.

Abstract

A thorough review of single-gene studies of behavior was recently published by Wilcock. His evaluation is that most studies are "trivial" in that they concentrate on obvious peripheral mechanisms without deep psychological meaning. The evaluation neglects that peripheral mechanisms often account for much of the normal range of variation, that single genes can be used to preset physiological parameters, and that simple explanations can prevent premature neurologizing.

Gene action and behavior of C3H and DBA mice: A reply to Wilcock and Thiessen.

“…Pattern discrimination was also demonstrated in rd mice (Karli, 1954). In agreement with Thiessen (1971), the findings quoted above demonstrate that the many single-gene studies of behavior concentrate also on central phenomena and not exclusively on empirical or "trivial" findings dealing with obvious peripheral mechanisms (Wilcock, 1971).…”

“…A thorough review has been published by Wilcock (1969) on single-gene studies. In his comments to this review, Thiessen (1971) pointed out that a physiological analysis of single-gene substitution may provide simpler descriptions of otherwise obscure phenotypes. In this regard, a recent paper by Bovet, Bovet-Nitti, and Oliverio was examined with particular emphasis on the shuttle box performance of the C3H strain using the outset of light as a conditioned stimulus.…”

Gene action and behavior: A clarification.

“…In a reply to my review of single-gene action and behavior (Wilcock, 1969), Thiessen (1971) accuses me of being hasty in concluding that behavioral differences so far attributable to single-gene differences do not merit further attention. Though I do not think the conclusion was hasty, I do think there may be some misunderstanding of what is meant here by "further attention."…”

Effects of albinism on copulatory behavior and sperm competition in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

“…Analysis of single-gene effects can provide insight into the genetic influences and development of behavior (e.g., Thiessen, 1971). The gene for albinism in house mice has received much attention in behavioral studies (reviewed by Wilcock, 1969).…”