Concordance of Taste Preferences by Neotoma Micropus with Those of other Rodents in a Grassland Community

Abstract

Taste preferences, as measured in 48-hr., Richter-type drinking tests (test solution opposite distilled water), were determined for Southern Plains wood rats (Neotoma micropus micropus). Preferences were recorded for five common sugars and for three salts at each of five different molar concentrations and for two acids at six pH levels. The test results were contrasted with results from other investigations of taste preferences among rodents inhabiting the same geographical area. Despite dissimilar food habits among the species used in the comparison, the different rodents showed significant concordances in patterns of taste preference.