Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What can happen to adult mice if they are placed in rooms that are too warm?

1. They can become more active

2. They can suffer from heat stress

3. They can reproduce more frequently

4. They can develop social issues

The correct answer is: They can suffer from heat stress

When adult mice are placed in environments that are excessively warm, the most significant risk they face is heat stress. Mice have a limited ability to thermoregulate, meaning they struggle to maintain a stable body temperature when external conditions exceed their comfort levels. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to various physiological impairments, including dehydration, decreased activity, and potential organ failure. This stress can severely impact their health, well-being, and even survival. While increased activity might seem plausible in response to warmth, it is typically the opposite; heat stress usually leads to lethargy as the mice conserve energy and attempt to cope with the heat. Reproduction may not increase; in fact, chronic heat stress can negatively affect reproduction rates in mice. Social issues might arise indirectly due to stress but are not a direct consequence of warmth. Therefore, the most accurate response relates to the immediate danger of heat stress.