Because these spines direct input to their associated neurons, the big rise in density during pregnancy may contribute to the enhanced ability of the mothers to navigate mazes and capture prey.

• 由于这些树突棘会将输入讯息传给神经元，它们的密度在怀孕时大幅增加，也就可能增进了母鼠走迷宫及捕捉猎物的能力。