Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

True or False: Rats are generally more relaxed and less prone to biting their handlers than are mice.

1. True

2. False

3. It depends on the environment

4. They are equally aggressive

The correct answer is: True

Rats are typically regarded as more relaxed and less prone to biting their handlers compared to mice. This behavior is influenced by their social structure; rats are known to be more social animals and tend to adapt better to handling and human interaction. Their calmer demeanor makes them more amenable to being handled, which can result in a lower likelihood of aggressive behaviors such as biting. In contrast, mice can exhibit more skittish behavior, especially if they are not accustomed to human interaction or handling. Their smaller size and more timid nature may cause them to feel threatened more easily, leading to defensive actions like biting. Thus, the nature of the species and their interactions with humans substantiate why the assertion about rats being more relaxed is accurate.