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February 12, 2026European Journal of NeuroscienceOpen Access

Partner Choice and Context‐Dependent Sex Differences in Rat Rough‐and‐Tumble Play

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Authors

JHJackson R. HamUniversity of LethbridgeSPSergio M. PellisUniversity of LethbridgeRMR. J. McDonaldUniversity of Lethbridge

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Implication

Investigating partner preference and play frequency in juvenile rats, revealing context-dependent sex differences.

Key Points

  • This research aims to explore how partner choice and social context affect sex differences in rough-and-tumble play among rats.
  • Utilized a group play paradigm with Wistar rats to allow partner selection.
  • Conducted tests in mixed-sex and same-sex triads for comparative analysis.
  • Measured playful nape attacks and defensive responses across partners.
  • Both sexes exhibited partner preferences, but only males showed a strong preference toward females.
  • Females did not demonstrate a group-level preference, though individual preferences did exist.
  • In mixed-sex groups, females initiated significantly fewer attacks than males, but this difference vanished in all-female groups.

Cite This Study

Ham et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/698d6dae5be6419ac0d52ba4https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.70426
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