Maternal Aggression: A Biological Basis?
Dean
"Never get between a mother and her children," the saying goes. Interestingly, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison believe that they have discovered a biological basis for maternal protectiveness: low levels of a neural peptide that eneables fear and anxiety reactions during threatening situations.
In other words, abnormally low levels of the peptide will reduce anxiety and fear and thus increase bravery, because the normal fear and anxiety mechanisms won't work right. Or so goes the theory.
They're also suggesting that high levels of the peptide may also correlate with postpartum depression and aggression or neglect by some new mothers toward their offspring.
Do mice get post-partum depression ?
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.