How Do Rats Communicate?
WouterRats have a number of different ways to communicate. They use body language and ultrasonic frequencies to communicate with each other. A good way to learn about the way these animals communicate is to observe them closely. You might be surprised to learn that rats communicate in such a variety of ways. Listed below are some of the most common ways that rats communicate.
Sniffing is an important way that rats communicate. Their noses are very sensitive, which helps them to establish social hierarchy and communicate with one another. During introductions and other interactions, rats use their smells to identify newcomers. This helps them understand one another’s status in the social hierarchy, which may prevent aggressive behavior.
Rats also use ultrasonic vocalizations to communicate with each other. The frequency of these calls changes with the mood of the animal. Some rats emit alarm calls while others emit appetitive calls. Scientists have found that these calls are often associated with happy or unfriendly situations. While the frequency of the calls varies, they are generally inaudible to human ears.
In another experiment, researchers have shown that rats can collaborate by using a brain-to-brain interface. The researchers have implanted brain chips into rats to send signals. The first rat recorded the activity of the other rat, which translated the signals into electrical pulses. The second rat was then trained to push a lever in response to the electrical stimulation from the first rat. This process altered the rat’s brain activity so that it would be more likely to get the task right.
