Definition
Active behaviors are characterized by the presence of motion, in contrast to inactive behaviors and unknown behaviors.
When a mouse is active, it is moving and doing various things, from interacting with other cagemates to cleaning itself, to investigating objects within its environment.
Therefore, a mouse’s active behaviors collectively enable it to create bonds with other mice, acquire energy during feeding, and establish a social hierarchy. Active behaviors are crucial for keeping the mouse healthy, in order to sustain itself and be able to reproduce successfully.
Since active behaviors make up such a large portion of a mouse’s time and life, it is no wonder why so much of behavioral research is dedicated to this class of behaviors.
