Developmental changes in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization in the Mongolian gerbil

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Abstract
Developmental changes in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization were investigated in Mongolian gerbils from birth until 30 days of age. The rate of ultrasonic vocalization increased from birth until Day 4. Following Day 4, the rate declined rapidly until Day 10. A moderate decline in the rate occurred from Day 10 to Day 13. After Day 13, the decline in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization was very gradual. Vocalizations were not detected on Day 20 or thereafter. Developmental changes in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization corresponded to those changes reported for the laboratory mouse and laboratory rat. Furthermore, the daily changes in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization followed the pattern that would have been predicted from knowledge of the development of homoiothermy in this species.