Compares the advantages of using chickens over rats in college-level introductory psychology lab courses. Chicks are cheaper, gentler, easier to handle, and require less time to adapt to laboratory conditions than rats. They are also easy to condition and impervious to distraction by room noise. (AM)

Reviews five natural history books for children and offers comments on a book about a marine biologist written for children. (HOD)

Describes the Monmouth County Park System's "Live Snakes Program" for schools and comments on popular misconceptions about snakes. (SJL)

Describes an animal laboratory course using male Siamese fighting fish which is inexpensive, compact, and permits students to conduct a wide variety of behavioral investigations. (Author/CK)

Attempts to define "creative categorization" using animal behavior and human perception as examples. (RK)

Describes some experiments with monkeys that "can provide us with vital and unexpected information about the organization of the human brain", according to Dr. James H. Dewson, a Stanford University scientist. (Editor/RK)

Responses from 176 of 420 4-H members involved in livestock projects showed they were able to accomplish skills in sportsmanship, safety, and animal grooming and selection but were less confident about animal health care. The sense of responsibility acquired from these projects was applied to homework, punctuality, and care for younger siblings.…

Argues that media representations of the animal kingdom can be erroneous. Illustrates that point using Albrecht Durer's drawing of a rhinoceros in 1515 that depicted the animal in a suit of medieval armor. Recants the argument after learning that the depiction is a fairly accurate account of the Indian rhinoceros. (MDH)

An environmental magazine answers 10 questions about wildlife that readers often write and ask. Questions address the behavior of animals and evolutionary reasons for biological adaptations suggested by research. (LZ)

The dendritic structure of layer II-III pyramidal neurons of the parietal cortex in 41 Long-Evans rats was compared to behavioral assessments of attention to novelty, response flexibility, and reasoning. A significant correlation between dendritic arborization and behavioral performance was not demonstrated. (SLD)

Tips are offered for use in an encounter with a dog guide and its blind owner. Tips include approaching the person from the right side, not taking hold of the dog guide's harness, not offering food to the dog guide, and not petting the dog guide without the owner's permission. (JDD)

Addresses irrational fears of snakes and how an understanding of snakes can alleviate this fear. For example, the survival methods of the Eastern Hognose snake, which inhabits upland hillsides and woodland meadows, include impersonating a cobra and playing dead. Although this snake looks and acts dangerous, it is quite harmless to humans. (LP)

Decsribes the use of a dog in individual and group therapy with youth and adults. The presence of, and interaction with, the dog stimulated patients, facilitated discussions around pet memories and experiences, elevated patients a bit from their status as chronic dependents, and allowed children to engage in normal cooperative experiences. (SAS)

A camp snake program can help campers overcome their fear of snakes, and people cannot truly enjoy nature when they carry a phobia about any one part of it. It can also help overcome prejudice by teaching truth and respect, instilling compassion, and helping campers develop empathy. Advice on catching, handling, identifying, keeping, and feeding…

Recommends the use of food storage jars for long-term storage of specimens in biology laboratories. Reports excellent preservation rates over a 20-year period. (DDR)