Abstract: Some numerical indices , namely θ, λ,Φ and η, are proposed to evaluate the daily activity patterns of rodent. The value of θ is used to determine whether there is any discrepancy in the daily activity patterns of animal ; the value of λ is used to judge whether an animal is diurnal or nocturnal ; the index Φ is used to identify which activity patterns (single-peak or double-peak) the animal is ; andηindicates the absolute active rate of the animal. Such numerical indices may provide different features of activity patterns of animal and should be useful in activity patterns comparing analysis.

Key words: Animal behavior, Activity pattern, Numerical indices, Rodent

摘要： 提出评估啮齿动物活动模式的4 种定量指标: θ、λ、Φ和η。θ主要衡量动物日活动强度的差异程度; λ用于判断动物活动究竟是以昼行性为主还是以夜行性为主; Φ用来甄别动物的活动究竟接近于(或者属于) 单峰型还是接近于(或属于) 双峰型; 而η则是度量动物绝对活动强度的指标。这4 种数值指标分别从不同角度阐明动物活动模式的特征, 可为分析比较动物的活动模式提供参考依据。

关键词: 动物行为, 活动模式, 数值指标, 啮齿动物