A case of behavioral heterosis in mice: Quantitative and qualitative aspects of performance in a water-escape task.

Abstract
Mice (1404) from 2 inbred strains (Balb/c and C57BL/6), F1, F2 and backcrosses were subjected to 4 trials in a water-escape task and to a swimming test. Detailed analysis of mice behavior in these situations showed that the F1 hybrid vigor affected behavioral characters not directly related to physical vigor but of potential adaptive value. Their superiority was mainly due to more frequent adoption of an efficient behavioral tactic (direct or edge escape paths toward the exit) and more rapid progress with experience in this respect than other generations exhibited. Heterosis is probably not limited to physical vigor but may extend to behavioral and even psychological characters.

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