Animal Health and Biology Flashcards
7 cards from real ALAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Animal Health and Biology flashcards as text
A zebrafish displaying loss of equilibrium and spinning behavior most likely has a problem with its:
Answer: Swim bladder
The swim bladder regulates buoyancy; dysfunction causes fish to roll, spin, or sink, a condition often called 'swim bladder disease.'
Which physiological parameter is measured by a pulse oximeter in laboratory animals?
Answer: Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2)
A pulse oximeter uses light absorption to estimate the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in arterial blood.
Chromodacryorrhea (red tears) in rats is caused by secretions from which gland?
Answer: Harderian gland
The Harderian gland of rats secretes porphyrin-rich fluid that appears red around the eyes and nose, indicating stress or illness.
The term 'epizootic' in laboratory animal medicine refers to:
Answer: A disease outbreak affecting many animals simultaneously within a population
Epizootic describes the animal equivalent of an epidemic — a sudden increase in disease cases affecting a large portion of the colony.
Which of the following is a correct statement about thermoregulation in neonatal rodents?
Answer: Neonates are poikilothermic and depend on maternal warmth
Newborn rodents are poikilothermic (unable to self-regulate body temperature) and rely on the dam and nestmates for warmth until about 2 weeks of age.
An ALAT observes that several animals in a cage have rough, patchy fur and are scratching intensely. The most appropriate next step is to:
Answer: Isolate affected animals and report findings to the attending veterinarian
Isolation prevents spread while a veterinarian diagnoses the cause; technicians must not treat animals without veterinary direction under the AWA.
Which anatomical feature allows rabbits to practice cecotrophy (consumption of cecotropes)?
Answer: Flexible spine and neck allowing them to reach the perianal region
Rabbits' flexible spine allows them to curl and directly ingest cecotropes from the anus, obtaining essential B vitamins and proteins.