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Science 12 August 1977:
Vol. 197. no. 4304, pp. 682 - 685
DOI: 10.1126/science.197.4304.682
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Articles

Developmental Neuroethology: Changes in Escape and Defensive Behavior During Growth of the Lobster

FRED LANG 1, C. K. GOVIND 2, WALTER J. COSTELLO 3, and SHARON I. GREENE 3

1 Boston University Marine Program, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543
2 Scarborough College, University of Toronto, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MIC IA4
3 Boston University Marine Program, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

The changes in relative efficacy of two incompatible behaviors was investigated during growth of the lobster, Homarus americanus. In larval and early juvenile stages, physiological and morphological factors favor use of the escape response over defensive behavior. In large animals, defensive behavior is preferred almost exclusively to escape behavior unless the claws are lost. The interaction of escape and defensive behavior is modified by neural and morphological factors, which are dependent on the stage in the life cycle of the organism.

Submitted on February 3, 1977
Revised on April 5, 1977


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)