Ambient Light Impacts Innate Behaviors of New-World and Old-World Mice.

ABSTRACT: Animals encounter predators and prey under diverse lighting conditions that signal different risks and opportunities^1-4, yet how ambient illumination shapes innate approach and avoidance behaviors remains poorly understood. Here we have systematically tested the visually guided behaviors of New-World (North American Peromyscus) and Old-World (Eurasian Mus) mice under conditions mimicking bright daylight or dim moonlit environments. We identified common and species-specific adaptations to the different lighting conditions. Across species, dim light enhanced the speed and vigor of escape responses to predator-like looming stimuli. However, species diverged in their reactions to non-threatening stimuli, with Mus musculus and Peromyscus polionotus increas

SUBMITTER: Reinhard K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12132185 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature