SAY CHEESE
RAT 101
LAB RAT ANATOMY
GNAW-SOME FACTS
HOME SQUEAK HOME
MENTAL MAZE
200
What is the term used to describe when a rat's fur stands on end — often due to cold, fear, stress, or illness?
200
Name the genus and species of the laboratory rat
Rattus norvegicus
200
What anatomical feature do rats lack that differ from mice?
Lack of a gallbladder
200
What is this condition called?
Malocclusion
200
Rats housed in wire-bottom cages are prone to developing ____________, so solid bottom cages are preferred.
foot lesions (pododermatitis)
200
What is this brown substance call that is usually found on the backs of older male rats?
Buck Grease also called Sebum is an oily secretion from the sebaceous gland which helps to preserve the flexibility of the hair. Male rats (Bucks) will get an orange colored oily film on their skin which can become thick if they cannot groom themselves.
400
What secretion is located around the eyes and nose of this rat?
Porphyrin Staining
400
What is the average lifespan of a lab rat?
2-3 years
400
What gland in rats secretes porphyrin?
What is Harderian gland
400
What type of teeth do rats have that grow continuously?
Incisors
400
How often should rat cages be changed?
At least twice a week
400
Which sensory organ do rats use primarily to detect vibrations and air currents?
Whiskers
600
What strain of rat is this?
Long-Evans = Hooded Rat
600
Are rats nocturnal or diurnal?
Nocturnal
600
The female rat estrus cycle lasts about?
4-5 days
600
What teeth do rats lack?
Canines and Premolars
600
What is the term for unlimited feed and water?
ad libitum =
600
What skill involving small cars have rats demonstrated in laboratory experiments?
800
What is being done to this rat?
Tickling!
800
What term describes a rats ability to eat its own feces to recover nutrients?
Coprophagy
800
The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals limits cervical dislocation to rats weighing less than ___ grams.
200g
800
How many teeth do rats have?
16 Total
4 Incisors
12 Molars
800
What are two naturally occurring diseases that rats develop?
Diabetes and Hypertension
800
What in the world is this rat doing? (2 Words)
Boggling and Bruxing
1000
What is a group of rats called?
Mischief
1000
Name two common strains of laboratory rats.
Wistar
Sprague-Dawley
Long-Evans
Fisher
Lewis
1000
What is the gestation period in days of a rat?
21-23 days
1000
What causes rats teeth to turn yellow/orange?
The enamel is high in iron content
1000
What two mating schemes are commonly used with rats?
Monogamous and Polygamous (Harem)
1000
What term describes a rat’s ability to learn and recall the layout of a maze?
spatial memory
