Doing a research paper and I need to know why lab animals are usually white or light colored. I dont want to hypothesize as to sound ignorant, so I wont guess. Any input is appreciated. Thanks
2007-09-10 15:55:08 · 11 answers · asked by fck_the_yankees 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
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2007-09-10 15:59:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would imagine apart from them having been bred that way for years, it would make it easier to distinguish them from common mice that might just happen to sneak into the lab.
How many wild albino mice can there be? Most wild albino animals are killed off fairly quickly since they stand out like lint on a dark suit.
2007-09-10 16:32:52 · answer #2 · answered by kcpaull 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never thought about it, but it could be that changes in fur texture, thickness, density, or colour shows up more easily in white or light-coloured fur. And any of those could indicate a physiological change that may need investigation.
It could also be (but I don't know for sure) that white fur is the result of more inbreeding for specific traits, resulting in consistent test subjects.
2007-09-10 15:59:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they have just been bred that way for many many years... i worked in a lab for 3 years though and there are many many dark colored animals too, hairless mice and rats are also common to work on... doesn't really matter what color they are, (unless that pertains to the study, like a genetics experiment) as long as they have spent their entire lives in a sterile laboratory environment, they are just as useful in research...
2007-09-10 16:07:34 · answer #4 · answered by megs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scientists decided that lab animals should be white males, aged about 25-40 so as not to offend anyone.
2007-09-10 16:43:04 · answer #5 · answered by Scozbo 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Generations of selective breeding have created these rodents. They now differ markedly from their wild progenitors, nonhuman animals associated with carrying all kinds of diseases.Through selective breeding, they have moved from the rats of the sewers to become standardized laboratory tools and (metaphorically) saviors of humans in the fight against disease.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/gw8lvqf6ruu9dbgx/
http://dels.nas.edu/ilar_n/ilarjournal/39_4/39_4DeerMice.shtml
http://www.informatics.jax.org/mgihome/nomen/strains.shtml
2007-09-10 15:59:49 · answer #6 · answered by Zasu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO its a very good question. Albino animals have very simple genetics so it's easier for scientists to alter/research/test things out. They are also easier to breed purely.
2007-09-10 15:57:03 · answer #7 · answered by alwaysmoose 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They can see the test result better with lighter haired aminals.... as oposed to a black rat you wouldnt notice it very well... and they ahve to observe to animals alot so... tahts my answer hope it helps....: )
2007-09-10 15:58:48 · answer #8 · answered by Artsy-Fartsy-Momma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that they will appear more generic.
2007-09-10 18:36:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't no i think it is just in the movies that they have white fur
2007-09-10 16:03:49 · answer #10 · answered by jason t 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
so any changes in their color can be noted.
2007-09-10 15:57:30 · answer #11 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋