Assessing the Grey Short-Tailed Opossum (Monodelphis domestica) as a Potential Animal Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Creation of an Ethogram and Description of Developmental Changes in Social Behavior

Author

Angela M. Mar, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Experimental Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Mario Gil

Second Advisor

Dr. Jason Popan

Third Advisor

Dr. Yu-Cheng Lin

Abstract

Research using animal models is done when human subjects cannot participate due to ethical concerns. The majority of translational research is done using rat models. However, other animals are good candidates for translational research, such as Monodelphis domestica. Presently, little is known about Monodelphis domesticas’ behavior and how the animal can be used in research settings. The aim of the study is to fill the gap in the research by conducting behavioral observations of M. domestica pups using a longitudinal approach starting with post-weaned age and ending at the age of sexual maturity and creating an behavioral ethogram. The results indicate that there was a shift in the type of social behavior displayed by the pups as they aged. By focusing on the critical time period between post-weaned age and sexual maturity, the research can lend itself to studies about neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, such as Autism.

Comments

Copyright 2018 Angela M. Mar. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/assessing-grey-short-tailed-opossum-i-monodelphis/docview/2177386593/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Mar, Angela M., "Assessing the Grey Short-Tailed Opossum (Monodelphis domestica) as a Potential Animal Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Creation of an Ethogram and Description of Developmental Changes in Social Behavior" (2018). Theses and Dissertations. 514.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/514