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Visual Cliff
Classic passive apparatus for assessing visual depth perception in mice. The transparent-floored chamber (40×40×60.5 cm) requires no electronics or software, providing a simple and reliable readout of depth avoidance behavior for neurological phenotyping.
Visual Cliff
The Visual Cliff apparatus by Ugo Basile is a classic test for evaluating depth perception and vestibular function in small rodents. The transparent floor surface extends over a visual "drop" on one side, allowing researchers to assess whether animals perceive and respond to the apparent depth cue — a reliable indicator of visual and motor integration.
Simple, robust, and easy to clean, the apparatus requires no software or electronics. It provides an immediate readout of depth avoidance behavior in mice, making it ideal for screening neurological phenotypes in transgenic models.
Key Features
- Classic visual depth perception test for mice
- Transparent floor for clear visual contrast
- Compact footprint: 40 × 40 × 60.5 cm
- No electronics required — simple and maintenance-free
- Compatible with overhead video tracking
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Research Applications
The Visual Cliff test is a straightforward and sensitive assay for visual depth perception and exploratory risk assessment. It is widely applied in developmental neuroscience and neurological phenotyping studies.
- Visual function assessment: Detecting visual impairments in transgenic or lesion models
- Depth perception: Evaluating visual-vestibular integration in rodent models of neurological disease
- Anxiety and risk assessment: Measuring thigmotaxis and risk-aversion behaviors
- Developmental studies: Tracking the maturation of visual depth perception in young animals
- Drug effects: Assessing the impact of sedatives or anxiolytics on visual exploration behavior
Motor Functions
Explore All ProductsWhat does the Visual Cliff test measure?
The Visual Cliff test assesses depth perception and visual-motor integration by measuring whether animals avoid crossing onto a transparent floor surface that overlooks an apparent visual drop.
What species is the Visual Cliff designed for?
The Ugo Basile Visual Cliff (Cat. 48071) is designed for mice, with dimensions of 40×40×60.5 cm optimized for small rodent testing.
Does the Visual Cliff require any electronics or software?
No. The Visual Cliff is entirely passive — it requires no electronics, power supply, or software, making it extremely simple to use and maintain.
Can the Visual Cliff be combined with video tracking?
Yes. The open-top design is compatible with overhead camera setups and video-tracking software for automated behavioral analysis.
What are the primary research uses of the Visual Cliff?
The Visual Cliff is used to detect visual impairments in transgenic models, assess depth perception during development, and measure anxiety-like risk-assessment behavior in pharmacological studies.
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