Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

The scientific name for the common laboratory rat is Rattus norvegicus, which is the correct choice. This species is widely used in laboratory research due to its physiological and genetic similarities to humans, allowing for a better understanding of various biological processes. Rattus norvegicus is also the species most commonly used in behavioral and medical research because of its well-documented genome and established breeding practices. Other choices represent different species: Mus musculus refers to the house mouse, a different rodent species commonly used in labs; Felis catus is the domestic cat, unrelated to rodent research; and Cavia porcellus is the guinea pig, another common laboratory animal but distinct from rats. Understanding these distinctions is important for anyone working in a laboratory setting or studying laboratory animal care.