Practice Test GeeksALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test
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Animal Health and Biology Flashcards

7 cards from real ALAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Animal Health and Biology flashcards as text

  1. A zebrafish displaying loss of equilibrium and spinning behavior most likely has a problem with its:

    Answer: Swim bladder

    The swim bladder regulates buoyancy; dysfunction causes fish to roll, spin, or sink, a condition often called 'swim bladder disease.'

  2. Which physiological parameter is measured by a pulse oximeter in laboratory animals?

    Answer: Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2)

    A pulse oximeter uses light absorption to estimate the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in arterial blood.

  3. Chromodacryorrhea (red tears) in rats is caused by secretions from which gland?

    Answer: Harderian gland

    The Harderian gland of rats secretes porphyrin-rich fluid that appears red around the eyes and nose, indicating stress or illness.

  4. The term 'epizootic' in laboratory animal medicine refers to:

    Answer: A disease outbreak affecting many animals simultaneously within a population

    Epizootic describes the animal equivalent of an epidemic — a sudden increase in disease cases affecting a large portion of the colony.

  5. Which of the following is a correct statement about thermoregulation in neonatal rodents?

    Answer: Neonates are poikilothermic and depend on maternal warmth

    Newborn rodents are poikilothermic (unable to self-regulate body temperature) and rely on the dam and nestmates for warmth until about 2 weeks of age.

  6. An ALAT observes that several animals in a cage have rough, patchy fur and are scratching intensely. The most appropriate next step is to:

    Answer: Isolate affected animals and report findings to the attending veterinarian

    Isolation prevents spread while a veterinarian diagnoses the cause; technicians must not treat animals without veterinary direction under the AWA.

  7. Which anatomical feature allows rabbits to practice cecotrophy (consumption of cecotropes)?

    Answer: Flexible spine and neck allowing them to reach the perianal region

    Rabbits' flexible spine allows them to curl and directly ingest cecotropes from the anus, obtaining essential B vitamins and proteins.