Non-human species used
in research to mimic aspects
of a disease, disorder, or other
reaction found in humans.
What is an animal model?
Popular animal model due
its small size, calm nature,
low cost to house, and ease of
genetic manipulation.
What is the domestic mouse?
The United States
Department of Agriculture
(USDA) regulates the use of
research animal models
under this act.
What is the Animal Welfare
Act?
By requiring the number of
animals used for research to
be justified, fewer are used
which is following this R of
the 3 R’s model.
What is reduce?
The second most widely
used animal research model
has many of the attributes of
mice, but their larger size and
more complex body systems
makes them useful for
research.
What is the Norway rat?
Some researchers develop
their own lines of research
animals, often mice and rats
through this animal
husbandry process.
What is in-house breeding?
Over time many animal
procedures were eliminated
with a shift to other research
strategies in accordance with
this R of the 3 R’s model.
What is replace?
The most common fish
used as animal models.
What are zebrafish?
This class of animal dealer
is licensed by the USDA to
breed, raise, and sell animals
specifically for research,
similar to in-house breeders.
What is a Class A dealer?
This R, of the 3 R’s model,
requires more background
work and computer modeling
to reduce likely variables that
may complicate research in
animals.
What is refine?
This fly and this little
known multi-celled “worm”
are the two most common
insects (yes, insects) used as
animal models.
What are the fruit fly and
nematode?
This class of animal dealer
is licensed by the USDA does
not raise their own animals,
but acquires them from many
different sources.
What is a Class B dealer?
Scientists rely on these two
types of interactions before
moving to research on animal
models.
What are biochemical and
cellular interactions?
The most common singlecelled
organism used as
animal models.
What is saccharomycetales
yeast?
Registered research
institutions must submit an
annual report to this agency
regarding their use of animal
models.
What is the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service
(APHIS)?