ALAT Animal Health and Biology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A research protocol requires creating a genetically uniform strain of mice by mating siblings for 20 or more generations. What is this type of breeding scheme called?

Accepted Answer

Inbreeding

Answer

Inbreeding is the process of mating closely related individuals, such as siblings, for 20 or more consecutive generations to produce a genetically homozygous (uniform) strain. This reduces genetic variability within the population.

Question 2

What is the typical gestation period for a common laboratory mouse (Mus musculus)?

Accepted Answer

19-21 days

Answer

The gestation period, or length of pregnancy, for most common strains of laboratory mice is approximately 19 to 21 days. This rapid reproductive cycle is one reason they are a common model in research.

Question 3

Which of the following terms refers to the act of giving birth in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Parturition

Answer

Parturition is the scientific term for the process of giving birth or labor. Dystocia refers to a difficult birth, weaning is the process of transitioning young off of mother's milk, and anogenital refers to the area around the anus and genitals.

Question 4

An ALAT observes a guinea pig that is drooling, having difficulty eating, and losing weight. The front incisors appear overly long. What is the most likely health issue?

Accepted Answer

Malocclusion

Answer

Malocclusion is the misalignment or overgrowth of teeth. In guinea pigs, whose teeth grow continuously, it can prevent them from eating properly, leading to drooling (slobbers), weight loss, and anorexia.

Question 5

A necropsy is being performed on a rat (Rattus norvegicus). Which of the following organs, commonly found in other mammals, will be absent?

Accepted Answer

Gallbladder

Answer

Rats do not have a gallbladder. In species that have one, this organ stores bile produced by the liver; in rats, bile is secreted directly from the liver into the small intestine.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Animal Health and Biology Questions and Answers