Partner Choice and Context‐Dependent Sex Differences in Rat Rough‐and‐Tumble Play
Jackson R. Ham, Sergio M. Pellis, Robert J. McDonald

TL;DR
In rat play, males prefer female partners and show sex differences in play frequency depending on group composition.
Contribution
The study reveals context-dependent sex differences in rat play behavior and partner preferences in a group setting.
Findings
Male rats prefer female partners during play, showing a sex-based preference.
Female rats initiate less play in mixed-sex groups but match male levels in all-female groups.
Partner preferences in females are not sex-specific and are more flexible.
Abstract
Rough‐and‐tumble play (RTP) is the form of play most often observed in juvenile mammals. In rats, RTP typically consists of competing for access to the partner's nape, with both sex and social contexts influencing its frequency and structure. Although most studies employ dyadic tests, this design limits partner choice. Here, we investigated sex differences in partner preference and play frequency in Wistar rats using a group play paradigm. Juvenile rats were tested in mixed‐sex and same‐sex triads, allowing individuals to select partners. We measured playful nape attacks, defensive responses, and the distribution of play across partners. Results revealed that both sexes formed partner preferences, but only males exhibited sex‐based preferences, directing significantly more playful attacks toward females than males. Female rats showed no group‐level sex preference, though most…
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Taxonomy
TopicsNeuroendocrine regulation and behavior · Primate Behavior and Ecology · Stress Responses and Cortisol
