Cross-species investigations of prenatal experience, hatching behavior, and postnatal behavioral laterality.

Turning biases have been reported in some mammalian species, but less is known about such biases in nonmammalians. This study investigated turning biases in domestic chicks, bobwhite and Japanese quail, leopard geckos, and snapping turtles. Domestic chicks (white leghorn and bantam) and bobwhite quail demonstrate strong group laterality. Japanese quail chicks, snapping turtles, and leopard geckos demonstrate no significant group bias. Results are discussed with regard to differences in embryonic experience, hatching behavior, and postnatal environment. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.