Javier Cruz-Nieto - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Javier Cruz-Nieto
<b>Abstract</b><br/><p><p>A key aspect in the conservation of endan... more <b>Abstract</b><br/><p><p>A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were detected in the wild and captive populations of both species, with private alleles detected in captivity in both, and in the wild in the thick-billed parrot. We found genetic signatures of a bottleneck in the northern blue-throated macaw subpopulation, but no such signal was identified in any other subpopulation of either species. Our results suggest both species could potentially benefit from reintroduction of genetic variation found in captivity, and emphasize the need for genetic management of captive populations.</p></p>
The Southwestern Naturalist, 2014
Journal of Field Ornithology, 2008
Eared Quetzals (Euptilotis neoxenus), a threatened species, are one of the least studied trogons ... more Eared Quetzals (Euptilotis neoxenus), a threatened species, are one of the least studied trogons in Mexico. We monitored 29 Eared Quetzal nests in the Chihuahuan portion of the Sierra Madre Occidental from 1998 to 2003. All nests were in tree cavities, and the mean tree and nest cavity heights (N = 14) were 16.9 ± 7.8 m and 11.4 ± 4.1 m, respectively. The mean clutch size was 2.8 ± 0.9 eggs (N = 28), the incubation period lasted 22 d (N = 1), and nestling periods ranged from 29 to 31 d (N = 5). Both adults incubated eggs and fed nestlings. Of 80 eggs, 70 hatched (87.5%) and 67 of 70 young fledged (95.7%). Twenty-five of 29 nests (86.2%) produced at least one fledgling. One nest was predated, and two failed when nest trees fell. Higher rates of nest predation have been reported for other species of trogons. However, fewer potential predators, such as snakes and mammals, are present in the Sierra Madre than in tropical zones where most trogon species occur. In addition, antipredator behaviors, including nestlings with calls resembling a snake and nests with an unpleasant odor, may contribute to the high nesting success. The main limiting factors for Eared Quetzals in the northern Chihuahua may be competition for cavities with other secondary cavity-nesters, and the failure of nests when snags fall. SINOPSIS. Biología reproductiva de Euptilotis neoxenus en la Sierra Madre Occidental, México Euptilotis neoxenus es un ave amenazada y uno de los trogones menos estudiados de México. Monitoreamos 29 nidos en la Sierra Madre Occidental de Chihuahua durante seis años (1998-2003). Todos los nidos se encontraron en cavidades deárboles, 11 de los 14 nidos caracterizados fueron localizados enálamos (Populus tremuloides). La altura promedio de losárboles y los nidos fue de 16.9 ± 7.8 m y 11.38 ± 4.05 m, respectivamente. El tamaño de puesta fue de 2.8 ± 0.9 huevos (N = 28), el periodo de incubación duró 22 días (N = 1) y el de anidamiento 28-31 días (N = 5). Ambos adultos incubaron y alimentaron a los pollos. De 80 huevos, 70 eclosionaron (87.5%) y 67 fueron volantones (95.7%). Veinticinco de los 29 nidos (86.2%) produjeron al menos un volantón. Un nido fue depredado y dos se perdieron debido a la caída delárbol que los albergaba. Para otras especies de trogones han sido reportadas tasas de depredación más altas. Sin embargo, en la Sierra Madre Occidental existen una menor cantidad de depredadores potenciales, como serpientes y mamíferos, que en las zonas tropicales donde la mayoría de las especies de trogones está presentes. Además, comportamientos anti-depredación, incluyendo polluelos con llamados que asemejan una serpiente y nidos con un olor desagradable, podrían contribuir a unéxito reproductivo alto. Los principales factores limitantes para la productividad de esta especie son la competencia por cavidades con otras especies y la pérdida de nidos cuando losárboles en decadencia caen.
AbstractA key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of g... more AbstractA key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were de...
Diversity
A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic v... more A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were detected i...
Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club
BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access t... more BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.
Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club
BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access t... more BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.
The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a shorebird associated to shallow waterbodies. I... more The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a shorebird associated to shallow waterbodies. It is a bird of stylized figure and unmistakable appearance that belongs to the Recurvirostridae family. The known reproductive range of this species does not include the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, where it is considered a migrant. Due to the lack of studies that report the presence of avocet nests in this state of the
The Birds of North …, 1999
Thick-billed Parrot(Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha). NFR Snyder, EC Enkerlin-Hoeflich, MA Cruz-Neto T... more Thick-billed Parrot(Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha). NFR Snyder, EC Enkerlin-Hoeflich, MA Cruz-Neto The Birds of North America 406, 24, 1999. This species account discusses: distinguishing characteristics, distribution, systematics ...
Natural Areas Journal, 2017
Revista Mexicana de Análisis de la Conducta, 2009
Behavioural processes, 2014
Three experiments using rats in an appetitive conditioning procedure analyzed the effect of short... more Three experiments using rats in an appetitive conditioning procedure analyzed the effect of short and long (50s vs. 1440s) intertrial intervals (ITI) over the acquisition of conditioned stimulus (CS), context (Ctxt), and unconditioned stimulus (US) associations, as well as the effect on the extinction and renewal of the conditioned response to the CS. Experiment 1 revealed more contextual conditioned responses in groups trained with the short ITIs, however the renewal effect was not observed during test phase with either ITI condition. When subjects were pre-exposed to the contexts before the acquisition phase (Experiment 2) renewal of the conditioned response (CR) was only observed in long ITI group. However, when the acquisition context was extinguished (Experiment 3) the renewal effect observed in the Experiment 2 was weakened. In all three experiments subjects showed a similar number of responses to the tone predicting food, however they showed a clear contextual conditioning ef...
Minimally Invasive Surgery, 2013
Introduction. Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) is a viable and safe technique; howev... more Introduction. Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) is a viable and safe technique; however, there are no single-institution studies comparing outcomes of SILC for colon cancer with well-established minimally invasive techniques. We evaluated the short-term outcomes following SILC for cancer compared to a group of well-established minimally invasive techniques. Methods. Fifty consecutive patients who underwent SILC for colon cancer were compared to a control group composed of 50 cases of minimally invasive colectomies performed with either conventional multiport or hand-assisted laparoscopic technique. The groups were paired based on the type of procedure. Demographics, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Results. With the exception of BMI, demographics were similar between both groups. Most of the procedures were right colectomies (n = 33) and anterior resections (n = 12). There were no significant differences in operative time (127.9 versus 126.7 min), conversions (0 versus 1), complications (14% versus 8%), length of stay (4.5 versus 4.0 days), readmissions (2% versus 2%), and reoperations (2% versus 2%). Oncological outcomes were also similar between groups. Conclusions. SILC is an oncologically sound alternative for the management of colon cancer and results in similar short-term outcomes as compared with well-established minimally invasive techniques.
Advances in Urology, 2014
Introduction. Pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes present with voiding, sexual, and anorectal dist... more Introduction. Pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes present with voiding, sexual, and anorectal disturbances, which may be associated with one another, resulting in complex presentation. Thus, an integrated diagnosis and management approach may be required. Pelvic muscle rehabilitation (PMR) is a noninvasive modality involving cognitive reeducation, modification, and retraining of the pelvic floor and associated musculature. We describe our standardized PMR protocol for the management of pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes. Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation Program. The diagnostic assessment includes electromyography and manometry analyzed in 4 phases: (1) initial baseline phase; (2) rapid contraction phase; (3) tonic contraction and endurance phase; and (4) late baseline phase. This evaluation is performed at the onset of every session. PMR management consists of 6 possible therapeutic modalities, employed depending on the diagnostic evaluation: (1) down-training; (2) accessory muscle isolation; (3) discrimination training; (4) muscle strengthening; (5) endurance training; and (6) electrical stimulation. Eight to ten sessions are performed at oneweek intervals with integration of home exercises and lifestyle modifications. Conclusions. The PMR protocol offers a standardized approach to diagnose and manage pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes with potential advantages over traditional biofeedback, involving additional interventions and a continuous pelvic floor assessment with management modifications over the clinical course.
Thrombosis Research, 1986
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 2006
... We thank the Coordi naci6n de Investigaci6n Cientifica and Facultad de Biologia at Universida... more ... We thank the Coordi naci6n de Investigaci6n Cientifica and Facultad de Biologia at Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo for their continued logistical and economic support, and the Direcci6n General de Vida Silvestre at SEMARNAT, which ... Forshaw, JM 1989. ...
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 1979
Amphetamine effects on behavior produced by periodic fi~od deliveries in the rat. PHARMAC. BIOCHE... more Amphetamine effects on behavior produced by periodic fi~od deliveries in the rat. PHARMAC. BIOCHEM. BEHAV. !1(4) [423][424][425][426][427][428][429][430] 1979.--In Experiment I, four food deprived rats were given milk every 60-sec irrespective of their behavior, and various doses of d-amphetamine were administered. Subsequently, rats were food satiated and exposed to the same reinforcement schedule for further sessions. Temporal patterns of tray-directed activities and other activities were recorded by direct observations, d-Amphetamine increased tray-directed activities, reduced grooming and produced mixed effects on rearing/sniffing. In Experiment 2, food deprived rats were given a pellet every 60-sec irrespective of their behavior and drinking was allowed to occur. Observational recording was supplemented by automatic measurement of time spent in contact with food tray and time spent drinking. d-Amphetamine increased the time spent in contact with tray, but reduced time spent drinking: grooming and rearing/sniffing were also reduced. The results were interpreted in terms of direct facilitation of tray-directed activities by d-amphetamine and reductions of the other activities by competition from tray-directed activities.
<b>Abstract</b><br/><p><p>A key aspect in the conservation of endan... more <b>Abstract</b><br/><p><p>A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were detected in the wild and captive populations of both species, with private alleles detected in captivity in both, and in the wild in the thick-billed parrot. We found genetic signatures of a bottleneck in the northern blue-throated macaw subpopulation, but no such signal was identified in any other subpopulation of either species. Our results suggest both species could potentially benefit from reintroduction of genetic variation found in captivity, and emphasize the need for genetic management of captive populations.</p></p>
The Southwestern Naturalist, 2014
Journal of Field Ornithology, 2008
Eared Quetzals (Euptilotis neoxenus), a threatened species, are one of the least studied trogons ... more Eared Quetzals (Euptilotis neoxenus), a threatened species, are one of the least studied trogons in Mexico. We monitored 29 Eared Quetzal nests in the Chihuahuan portion of the Sierra Madre Occidental from 1998 to 2003. All nests were in tree cavities, and the mean tree and nest cavity heights (N = 14) were 16.9 ± 7.8 m and 11.4 ± 4.1 m, respectively. The mean clutch size was 2.8 ± 0.9 eggs (N = 28), the incubation period lasted 22 d (N = 1), and nestling periods ranged from 29 to 31 d (N = 5). Both adults incubated eggs and fed nestlings. Of 80 eggs, 70 hatched (87.5%) and 67 of 70 young fledged (95.7%). Twenty-five of 29 nests (86.2%) produced at least one fledgling. One nest was predated, and two failed when nest trees fell. Higher rates of nest predation have been reported for other species of trogons. However, fewer potential predators, such as snakes and mammals, are present in the Sierra Madre than in tropical zones where most trogon species occur. In addition, antipredator behaviors, including nestlings with calls resembling a snake and nests with an unpleasant odor, may contribute to the high nesting success. The main limiting factors for Eared Quetzals in the northern Chihuahua may be competition for cavities with other secondary cavity-nesters, and the failure of nests when snags fall. SINOPSIS. Biología reproductiva de Euptilotis neoxenus en la Sierra Madre Occidental, México Euptilotis neoxenus es un ave amenazada y uno de los trogones menos estudiados de México. Monitoreamos 29 nidos en la Sierra Madre Occidental de Chihuahua durante seis años (1998-2003). Todos los nidos se encontraron en cavidades deárboles, 11 de los 14 nidos caracterizados fueron localizados enálamos (Populus tremuloides). La altura promedio de losárboles y los nidos fue de 16.9 ± 7.8 m y 11.38 ± 4.05 m, respectivamente. El tamaño de puesta fue de 2.8 ± 0.9 huevos (N = 28), el periodo de incubación duró 22 días (N = 1) y el de anidamiento 28-31 días (N = 5). Ambos adultos incubaron y alimentaron a los pollos. De 80 huevos, 70 eclosionaron (87.5%) y 67 fueron volantones (95.7%). Veinticinco de los 29 nidos (86.2%) produjeron al menos un volantón. Un nido fue depredado y dos se perdieron debido a la caída delárbol que los albergaba. Para otras especies de trogones han sido reportadas tasas de depredación más altas. Sin embargo, en la Sierra Madre Occidental existen una menor cantidad de depredadores potenciales, como serpientes y mamíferos, que en las zonas tropicales donde la mayoría de las especies de trogones está presentes. Además, comportamientos anti-depredación, incluyendo polluelos con llamados que asemejan una serpiente y nidos con un olor desagradable, podrían contribuir a unéxito reproductivo alto. Los principales factores limitantes para la productividad de esta especie son la competencia por cavidades con otras especies y la pérdida de nidos cuando losárboles en decadencia caen.
AbstractA key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of g... more AbstractA key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were de...
Diversity
A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic v... more A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were detected i...
Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club
BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access t... more BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.
Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club
BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access t... more BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.
The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a shorebird associated to shallow waterbodies. I... more The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a shorebird associated to shallow waterbodies. It is a bird of stylized figure and unmistakable appearance that belongs to the Recurvirostridae family. The known reproductive range of this species does not include the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, where it is considered a migrant. Due to the lack of studies that report the presence of avocet nests in this state of the
The Birds of North …, 1999
Thick-billed Parrot(Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha). NFR Snyder, EC Enkerlin-Hoeflich, MA Cruz-Neto T... more Thick-billed Parrot(Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha). NFR Snyder, EC Enkerlin-Hoeflich, MA Cruz-Neto The Birds of North America 406, 24, 1999. This species account discusses: distinguishing characteristics, distribution, systematics ...
Natural Areas Journal, 2017
Revista Mexicana de Análisis de la Conducta, 2009
Behavioural processes, 2014
Three experiments using rats in an appetitive conditioning procedure analyzed the effect of short... more Three experiments using rats in an appetitive conditioning procedure analyzed the effect of short and long (50s vs. 1440s) intertrial intervals (ITI) over the acquisition of conditioned stimulus (CS), context (Ctxt), and unconditioned stimulus (US) associations, as well as the effect on the extinction and renewal of the conditioned response to the CS. Experiment 1 revealed more contextual conditioned responses in groups trained with the short ITIs, however the renewal effect was not observed during test phase with either ITI condition. When subjects were pre-exposed to the contexts before the acquisition phase (Experiment 2) renewal of the conditioned response (CR) was only observed in long ITI group. However, when the acquisition context was extinguished (Experiment 3) the renewal effect observed in the Experiment 2 was weakened. In all three experiments subjects showed a similar number of responses to the tone predicting food, however they showed a clear contextual conditioning ef...
Minimally Invasive Surgery, 2013
Introduction. Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) is a viable and safe technique; howev... more Introduction. Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) is a viable and safe technique; however, there are no single-institution studies comparing outcomes of SILC for colon cancer with well-established minimally invasive techniques. We evaluated the short-term outcomes following SILC for cancer compared to a group of well-established minimally invasive techniques. Methods. Fifty consecutive patients who underwent SILC for colon cancer were compared to a control group composed of 50 cases of minimally invasive colectomies performed with either conventional multiport or hand-assisted laparoscopic technique. The groups were paired based on the type of procedure. Demographics, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Results. With the exception of BMI, demographics were similar between both groups. Most of the procedures were right colectomies (n = 33) and anterior resections (n = 12). There were no significant differences in operative time (127.9 versus 126.7 min), conversions (0 versus 1), complications (14% versus 8%), length of stay (4.5 versus 4.0 days), readmissions (2% versus 2%), and reoperations (2% versus 2%). Oncological outcomes were also similar between groups. Conclusions. SILC is an oncologically sound alternative for the management of colon cancer and results in similar short-term outcomes as compared with well-established minimally invasive techniques.
Advances in Urology, 2014
Introduction. Pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes present with voiding, sexual, and anorectal dist... more Introduction. Pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes present with voiding, sexual, and anorectal disturbances, which may be associated with one another, resulting in complex presentation. Thus, an integrated diagnosis and management approach may be required. Pelvic muscle rehabilitation (PMR) is a noninvasive modality involving cognitive reeducation, modification, and retraining of the pelvic floor and associated musculature. We describe our standardized PMR protocol for the management of pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes. Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation Program. The diagnostic assessment includes electromyography and manometry analyzed in 4 phases: (1) initial baseline phase; (2) rapid contraction phase; (3) tonic contraction and endurance phase; and (4) late baseline phase. This evaluation is performed at the onset of every session. PMR management consists of 6 possible therapeutic modalities, employed depending on the diagnostic evaluation: (1) down-training; (2) accessory muscle isolation; (3) discrimination training; (4) muscle strengthening; (5) endurance training; and (6) electrical stimulation. Eight to ten sessions are performed at oneweek intervals with integration of home exercises and lifestyle modifications. Conclusions. The PMR protocol offers a standardized approach to diagnose and manage pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes with potential advantages over traditional biofeedback, involving additional interventions and a continuous pelvic floor assessment with management modifications over the clinical course.
Thrombosis Research, 1986
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 2006
... We thank the Coordi naci6n de Investigaci6n Cientifica and Facultad de Biologia at Universida... more ... We thank the Coordi naci6n de Investigaci6n Cientifica and Facultad de Biologia at Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo for their continued logistical and economic support, and the Direcci6n General de Vida Silvestre at SEMARNAT, which ... Forshaw, JM 1989. ...
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 1979
Amphetamine effects on behavior produced by periodic fi~od deliveries in the rat. PHARMAC. BIOCHE... more Amphetamine effects on behavior produced by periodic fi~od deliveries in the rat. PHARMAC. BIOCHEM. BEHAV. !1(4) [423][424][425][426][427][428][429][430] 1979.--In Experiment I, four food deprived rats were given milk every 60-sec irrespective of their behavior, and various doses of d-amphetamine were administered. Subsequently, rats were food satiated and exposed to the same reinforcement schedule for further sessions. Temporal patterns of tray-directed activities and other activities were recorded by direct observations, d-Amphetamine increased tray-directed activities, reduced grooming and produced mixed effects on rearing/sniffing. In Experiment 2, food deprived rats were given a pellet every 60-sec irrespective of their behavior and drinking was allowed to occur. Observational recording was supplemented by automatic measurement of time spent in contact with food tray and time spent drinking. d-Amphetamine increased the time spent in contact with tray, but reduced time spent drinking: grooming and rearing/sniffing were also reduced. The results were interpreted in terms of direct facilitation of tray-directed activities by d-amphetamine and reductions of the other activities by competition from tray-directed activities.