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.