The development of behavior in vertebrates experimentally removed from the influence of external stimulation.

Abstract

An experimental group of embryos of Rana sylvatica and Amblystoma punctatum was raised in an anesthetic solution (chloretone). When a control group had reached the free-swimming stage, the experimental group was released from the anesthetic. In an average time of less than 12 min. the previously drugged organisms responded to external stimulation. This has a theoretical importance for the psychology of instinct.