| Abstract: | The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) has a social system based on an adult male and female and their juvenile and infant offspring. The adult male and juveniles, as well as the adult female, interact with the infants. This species is active during the day and the night thus making it ideal for observational studies on social behaviour, particularly in relation to the rearing of the infants. Several factors are considered each of which may influence the maternal behaviour and the behavioural and physical development of the young. These factors may be varied in simple experiments which are suitable for school projects. |
