Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What term describes the behavior of rats being active mostly during the night?

1. Nocturnal

2. Diurnal

3. Crepuscular

4. Seasonal

The correct answer is: Nocturnal

The term that describes the behavior of rats being active mostly during the night is "nocturnal." Nocturnal animals, like rats, are adapted to be active in the dark hours of the night and typically rest during the daylight. This behavior is often linked to their feeding habits, predator avoidance, and thermoregulation, as cooler nighttime temperatures can help them maintain body heat. Understanding this term is essential for those working with laboratory animals, as it impacts housing, enrichment, and feeding schedules to align with the animals' natural behaviors and rhythms. The other terms describe different patterns of activity: diurnal refers to being active during the day, crepuscular refers to being active during twilight hours (dawn and dusk), and seasonal pertains to behaviors that change with the seasons rather than a specific daily active pattern.