Three dimensional path integration in the house mouse (Mus domestica)

 Previous studies have explored two-dimensional path integration in rodents by recording responses to passive rotation on a horizontal plane. This study adds the element of passive rotation in a vertical plane, necessitating the mouse to integrate positional information from three dimensions. Mice were trained to climb a wire mesh joining two horizontal planes. The whole arena was rotated 90° while the mouse was vertically oriented as it moved between planes. Rotation was conducted both clockwise and counter-clockwise, controls being provided by rotation of the arena while the mouse was in its nest-box. All 16 mice tested altered their direction of travel subsequent to rotation in the vertical plane, compensating with a change in their path on the following horizontal plane. Received: 20 April 2000 / Accepted in revised form: 5 September 2000