BF, Mass and Exploration in Naked Mole-Rats

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between bite force and body mass, as well as to explore potential correlations between these factors and exploratory behavior in <i>Heterocephalus glaber</i>.To do so, we measured the bite force and body mass of 79 young adult male and female naked mole rats from a single captive colony, including the queen.We then observed and quantified their exploratory behavior using an open field test during which they could freely enter a new environment, in the form of a new pipe linked to the housing colony. Observations were conducted over 8 days, for 1 hour each morning. An entry was counted when all four legs of the naked mole rat were inside the pipe, and then scanned with a microchip reader. Two measurements were taken: the timing of each entry and exit from the pipe. These data allowed us to determine, for each individual, the total number of entries, the latency of each entry, and the total time spent inside the pipe.

本研究旨在探究裸鼹鼠（*Heterocephalus glaber*）的咬合力与体质量之间的关联，并探索上述指标与其探索行为间的潜在相关性。为此，我们测量了来自同一人工饲养种群（包含种群女王）的79只年轻成年雌雄裸鼹鼠的咬合力与体质量。随后，我们采用旷场实验（open field test）对其探索行为进行观察与量化：实验装置为1根与饲养种群相连的全新管道，受试裸鼹鼠可自由进入该新环境。实验观测连续开展8天，每日上午进行1小时。当裸鼹鼠四肢全部进入管道时记为一次有效进入行为，并通过微芯片阅读器（microchip reader）完成个体识别。本次实验共采集两项观测指标：每一次进出管道的时间节点。基于上述采集的数据，我们可计算得到每只个体的总进入次数、单次进入潜伏期，以及在管道内的总停留时长。