After a Rat Runs Its Whiskers Over a Novel Surface

question 55

Essay

After a rat runs its whiskers over a novel surface a number of times, it will decide what to do about it. For example, if a narrow pipe, the kind found in the plumbing of an old building, the rat will decide whether to enter it. How does the rat arrive at this decision?

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Definitions:

82-year-old White Male

The term "82-year-old White Male" specifies demographic information of a patient or study participant, indicating their age, racial background, and gender, useful in medical and social research for tailoring interventions or understanding specific health trends.

19-year-old Native American Male

Refers to an individual who is of Native American descent, aged 19.

Hopelessness

A feeling of despair or pessimism, believing that there is no possibility of a better future or solution to a problem.

Transition

The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another, often used in the context of careers, life stages, or writing.