Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

True or False: Inbred strains usually have larger litters than outbred stocks.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in some strains

4. It depends on the diet

The correct answer is: False

Inbred strains typically have smaller litters compared to outbred stocks. This is due to the genetic uniformity of inbred strains, which often leads to reduced fertility rates and smaller litter sizes. In contrast, outbred stocks exhibit greater genetic diversity, which generally enhances reproductive success and leads to larger litters. The genetic variations in outbred stocks allow for more robust reproduction, making them more prolific in terms of litter size. The other options suggest scenarios that do not accurately reflect the general trend seen in the breeding of these strains. The idea that it is only true for some strains does not hold consistently across the populations, and while diet can influence reproductive outcomes, it is not the primary factor distinguishing litter sizes between inbred and outbred populations.