Eye movements initiate visual-motor development in the cat

Science. 1979 Jun 22;204(4399):1321-2. doi: 10.1126/science.313076.

Abstract

Visually naïve kittens turn their eyes toward visual targets but lack other visual-motor coordinations. Light-reared animals were able to mediate guided behaviors with an immobilized eye, but animals with the eye immobilized before initial exposure to a lighted environment were not. Eye movement is implied to play an essential role in visual-motor development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Cats
  • Darkness
  • Eye Movements*
  • Functional Laterality
  • Locomotion
  • Movement*
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / physiology
  • Visual Pathways / growth & development*
  • Visual Perception / physiology