Prior to the next measurement series, the test persons were given a drug that blocked oxytocin production. Oxytocin seems to trigger the creation of deep feelings, the foundation for love and trust. At least, that's the way it works for gophers under study in Atlanta. At Emory University, neurologist Dr. Thomas Insel is in hot pursuit of the love hormone. Of all animals, gophers were chosen as test objects.
Faithfulness is just as much a part of it as the joint care of both parents for their offspring.
A rarity in the animal kingdom as well. Gophers stay with the partner that they first copulate passionately with. Although they are practically identical, genetically speaking, their behavior patterns differ almost completely from that of their devoted relatives. Montane-mice don't form commitments, they copulate randomly. And the sexual act is never followed by a partnership.