open-field test (Sciuridae)

Knowledge graph centered on open-field test (Sciuridae) with 70 nodes and 149 connections. Top connected: Marmota flaviventris, Spruce, mark-recapture (Sciuridae), Populus, Populus tremuloides.

Method synopsis

Standardized 4-minute test immediately following open field test where a mirror is revealed to measure sociability and aggressive responses toward conspecific image, recorded via overhead camera.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 5 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Bridging animal personality with space use and resource use in a free-ranging population of an asocial ground squirrel (2021), Animal Behaviour. The protocol was originally introduced by A critical evaluation of subjective ratings: unacquainted observers can reliably assess personality (2014), Current Zoology. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Mirror image stimulation assay
   Following OF assay, MIS assay initiated by removing sliding wall at back of arena, revealing mirror. Mirror affixed to and covered most of far wall of arena such that squirrel could see its reflection. Recorded squirrel behavior during all OF and MIS assays using GoPro Hero camera mounted on tripod above arena for 4 min testing session.
   Quantities: 4 min testing duration immediately following OF testDuration: 4 min per individualConditions: Immediately following open field test, within same session
   Equipment: mirror covering far wall, GoPro Hero camera, tripod, sliding wall mechanism
2. Video analysis and behavior quantification
   Reviewed all videos to ensure appropriate footage recording and focal individual tracked accurately throughout software program. Quantified squirrel behavior using EthoVision tracking software (Noldus EthoVision XT 11.5). For OF assay, quantified total distance moved, mean and maximum velocity, time spent moving, and divided arena into zones to track movement patterns. For MIS assay, tracked time spent within each zone and number of visits to each zone, quantified interaction with mirror image.
   Quantities: Mean 7192 samples per assay representing missed sample rate of 0.1%, arena divided into multiple zones for trackingDuration: Post-field video analysis periodConditions: Laboratory analysis of recorded footage

Typical Equipment

• mirror covering far wall
• GoPro Hero camera
• tripod
• sliding wall mechanism
• EthoVision XT 11.5 tracking software

Output Measurements

• time interacting with mirror
• time looking away from mirror
• time in zones
• visits to zones
• interaction behaviors

Papers Using This Protocol (6)

Species Studied With This Protocol