Schaal Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Question 1

Schaal Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Aim

Answer 1

To determine the chemical identity of the substance involved in rabbit pup feeding and to determine if it fits criteria of a pheromone.

Question 2

Schaal Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Procedure

Answer 2

• Researcher separated 21 different substance (“volatiles odor compounds (VOC)”) from rabbit milk to identify that rabbit pups (0-4 days old) respond to
• Pups exposed to VOC one at a time through a sniffing device
• Response measures by turning towards device (searching) or trying or orally grasp it (grasping)
• Pups were tested with milks of other animals (rats, sheep, cows, horses, humans)
• Pups of other species were also tested with 2MB2 (suspected pheromone in rabbit milk)

Question 3

Schaal Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Findings

Answer 3

• Reactivity to one VOC, 2MB2, was evident, although time sensitive (no response after 60 minutes), dependent on VOC concentration
• Other types of rabbits responded in a similar manner, other rodents did not
• Pups responded to 2MB2, despite never being fed before
• Pups did not respond to milk from other species
• Researchers concluded that 2MB2 is a pheromone

Question 4

Schaal Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Strengths

Answer 4

• Internal validity
  
  • Substances were deodorized so milk would have no detectable scent

Question 5

Schaal Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Limitations

Answer 5

• Only theoretical generalization to humans

Question 6

Schaal Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• Specific ethical guidelines are used during animal studies
  
  • As rabbit pups were not harmed, they would likely be used in other experiments
    - Mare were euthanized and samples were taken

Question 7

Schaal Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Research Method

Answer 7

Experiment