Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What do scent glands in hamsters secrete?

1. Salty fluid

2. Musk-like fluid

3. Oily substances

4. Acidic fluid

The correct answer is: Musk-like fluid

Scent glands in hamsters are primarily involved in communication and territorial marking, and they secrete a musk-like fluid. This fluid contains pheromones, which are chemical signals that can convey various information about an individual’s identity, reproductive status, and territory. The musk helps hamsters communicate with each other in their environment, facilitating social interactions. The other options do not accurately describe the secretions of hamster scent glands. For instance, while some animals might secrete oily or salty fluids for different purposes, hamsters specifically utilize a musk-like fluid for communication. Understanding the function of these glands is crucial in recognizing their role in hamster behavior and social structures.