Steven K. Maldonado <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>
>Wrong. Perhaps the word 'thought' should have been more appropriately
>stated as
>"...stereotypical digging, with a 'provisionally acceptable observation' that
>it is
>associated with burrowing instincts." But your page only gives 1 likely
>explanation
>to why they dig compulsively when subject to a thin bedding environment
>in captivity.
Because of the reasons stated in that article.
>
>How are you to know if stereotypical digging is exclusively from an
>instinct to dig
>burrows, or if it's because of the Gerbils visual perception of its
>immediate
>surrounding? How are you to know if the Gerbil perceives the clean spot
>in front of
>him as the beginning of a burrow and is trying to get inside of it?
I doubt whether gerbils have evolved to burrow by sight.
>
>Would a Gerbil exhibit these behaviors in a micro gravity environment?
><j/k! thought I'd throw that one in for kicks. But you see my point.> ;-)
An interesting question.
>
>I'd be interested in your ideas.
>
The issue is that gerbils have been shown scientifically and separately
by behavioural specialist not to compulsorily burrow if they are brought
up in burrow systems. Why do these not dig if digging is caused by
visual cues? Gerbils dig just as much in deep filed tanks if they have
not been raised in burrows. These are things that need answers if your
hypothesis is correct.
--
Julian
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
National Gerbil Society
http://www.gerbils.co.uk/
