An apparatus for recording the activity of small terrestrial animals. American Museum novitates ; no. 2090

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Date

1962

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

New York, N.Y. : American Museum of Natural History

DOI

DOI

Abstract

"An apparatus that has been used for recording spontaneous locomotor activity in land crabs is described. This apparatus seems adaptable for use with other small terrestrial animals and also, with modification, for use with semi-terrestrial and aquatic forms. Basically, the apparatus consists of a Plexiglass rectangular activity chamber (24 by 4 by 4 inches or 24 by 3 by 3 inches) with Plexiglass cover and with divider to keep the animal in the two-thirds of the chamber farthest from the fulcrum. A longitudinal divider can further reduce the usable space of the chamber for work with very small animals. The chamber is attached to a wooden block at one end and hangs suspended by a steel spring at the other end. Movements of the animal within the chamber displace the free end of the chamber and the displacements are registered on a Gorrell Junior Rekorder through recording lever and pen. A signal magnet, activated through an interval timer, marks 30-minute intervals on a time base line"--P. 5.

Description

5 p. : 2 ill. ; 24 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 5).

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