Visuomotor Reactions in Normal and Monocularly Pattern-Deprived Cats

Synopsis

Monocular pattern-deprivation was achieved by eyelid suturing of one eye at the time of natural eye-opening. When the cats were about eight months old they were forced to use their deprived eye by means of a reverse closure. The cats were filmed about twenty months after reverse closure. Tests shown are: optokinetic nystagmus (clockwise, anti-clockwise, various speeds); tactual placing response (cat is blindfolded); visual placing response (visually triggered extension); visual placing response (visually guided reaching); visual cliff; jumping behaviour (including use of steps offered); bumping; tracking (clockwise and anti-clockwise); threatening reflex (behing glass); pattern discrimination (in simple training box). In most cases the performance of the monocularly pattern-deprived cats is contrasted with that of normal cats which are also shown.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Film; Film. 16mm. sd. b&w. 19 min.

Technical information

Black-and-white / Sound

Year of production

1974

Availability

Sale

Subjects

Biology

Keywords

behaviour; cats; eyes; laboratory experiments; visual perception

Credits

Writer

Prof van Hof-van Duijn

Distribution Formats

Type

Film

Format

16mm

Distributor

Name

BSIP Europrofile Ltd

Phone

020 8946 8644

Fax

020 8946 4599

Address

Hill House
96 Wimbledon Hill
London
SW19 7PB

Notes

Contact: Dr Hartley Millar (2/01), e-mail hmillar@cix.couk