Evolution of boldness and exploratory behavior in giant mice from Gough Island

Giant house mice from Gough Island exhibit significantly bolder and more exploratory behaviors compared to mainland counterparts, even when shelter is available, while retaining avoidance responses to predator urine. This suggests that behavioral evolution on islands can be specific to perceived dangers. Researchers profiled anxiety and exploration in island and mainland inbred mouse strains raised under identical laboratory conditions, demonstrating heritability of these traits. F1 offspring from crosses between the two strains behaved more like mainland mice for most traits, indicating recessive mutations likely contributed to behavioral changes on Gough Island. The study provides rare evidence of inherited behavioral evolution in an island population, offering insights into how such adaptations arise in isolated ecosystems.

Stratton, J. A., Nolte, M. J., & Payseur, B. A. (2021). Evolution of boldness and exploratory behavior in giant mice from Gough Island. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 75(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-021-03003-6