This protocol describes a method of examining social hierarchy in a rat model. Rats perform a complex diving-for-food task in which they form a distinct hierarchy according to their willingness to dive underwater and swim to obtain a food pellet. This method is used to understand decision making and social relationships among highly social animals in small groups.
Gruenbaum, B. F., Frank, D., Savir, S., Shiyntum, H. N., Kuts, R., Vinokur, M., Melamed, I., Dubilet, M., Zlotnik, A., Boyko, M. A Complex Diving-For-Food Task to Investigate Social Organization and Interactions in Rats. J. Vis. Exp. (171), e61763, doi:10.3791/61763 (2021).