Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is one reason rats should be housed in groups?

1. To encourage fighting

2. To promote natural social behavior

3. To reduce food consumption

4. To decrease stress levels

The correct answer is: To promote natural social behavior

Rats are social animals by nature, and housing them in groups promotes their natural social behavior. In the wild, rats live in colonies and engage in various social interactions, including grooming, playing, and establishing social hierarchies. This social interaction is essential for their mental and emotional well-being. By providing a group housing environment, laboratory settings can mimic their natural circumstances, leading to healthier and more balanced animals. This approach can also encourage normal behaviors such as exploration and play, which are crucial for their overall enrichment and welfare. While group housing can also potentially decrease stress levels, which might be a benefit observed in such settings, the primary focus here is on the promotion of their natural social structures and behaviors. Therefore, the importance of social interaction in rats justifies their group housing practices in lab settings.