Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is an animal model in research?

1. An animal used for transportation in studies

2. An animal that develops a disease or condition that affects humans

3. An animal trained for behavioral studies

4. An animal used exclusively for genetic research

The correct answer is: An animal that develops a disease or condition that affects humans

An animal model in research is defined as an animal that develops a disease or condition that affects humans, making it an essential tool for studying the pathophysiology of diseases, testing new treatments, and understanding biological processes. Animal models enable researchers to explore complex interactions within living organisms and provide valuable insights that can be translated to human medicine. The relevance of this definition lies in the fact that certain animals exhibit physiological and genetic similarities to humans, allowing researchers to simulate and observe the effects of specific conditions or interventions in a controlled environment. This helps in the development of therapies and understanding disease mechanisms, ultimately benefiting human health. In contrast, the other options do not align with the established definition of an animal model. For instance, while an animal trained for behavioral studies may contribute to understanding behavior, it does not necessarily relate to developing diseases relevant to human health. Similarly, an animal used for transportation in studies does not serve a research purpose related to modeling diseases or conditions. Lastly, an animal used exclusively for genetic research may contribute to genetic understanding but may not necessarily model a human disease or condition, which is the primary focus of animal models in comparative biomedical research.