Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hamsters that makes them a good research model?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hamsters that makes them a good research model?
- Susceptible to experimentally induced diseases and infections
- Short gestation
- Relatively few spontaneous diseases compared to other lab rodents (correct)
- Adapt well to surroundings
Which organ in hamsters has two compartments?
Which organ in hamsters has two compartments?
- GI tract
- Scent gland
- Cheek pouches
- Stomach (correct)
What does the word 'hamster' mean in German?
What does the word 'hamster' mean in German?
- To store food
- To hoard (correct)
- To burrow
- To build nests
Which arteries supply blood to the highly vascular tissue in hamsters?
Which arteries supply blood to the highly vascular tissue in hamsters?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the scent gland in hamsters?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the scent gland in hamsters?
What is the role of the non-glandular fore-stomach in hamsters?
What is the role of the non-glandular fore-stomach in hamsters?
Why should some antibiotics, such as penicillin, not be used in hamsters?
Why should some antibiotics, such as penicillin, not be used in hamsters?
Which of the following is NOT a behavior commonly observed in hamsters?
Which of the following is NOT a behavior commonly observed in hamsters?
How can a hamster be restrained for handling?
How can a hamster be restrained for handling?
What type of cages are hamsters usually housed in?
What type of cages are hamsters usually housed in?
What is a common sign of illness in hamsters?
What is a common sign of illness in hamsters?
Which of the following is NOT a use of hamsters in research?
Which of the following is NOT a use of hamsters in research?
How can you determine the age of a hamster?
How can you determine the age of a hamster?
What is the gestation period of a hamster?
What is the gestation period of a hamster?
What are the four different mating systems used for hamsters?
What are the four different mating systems used for hamsters?
Hamsters have a long gestation period compared to other lab rodents.
Hamsters have a long gestation period compared to other lab rodents.
Hamsters are susceptible to many experimentally induced diseases and infections.
Hamsters are susceptible to many experimentally induced diseases and infections.
The word 'hamster' translates to 'to hoard' in German.
The word 'hamster' translates to 'to hoard' in German.
True or false: The hamster's scent gland is located on its abdomen.
True or false: The hamster's scent gland is located on its abdomen.
True or false: Hamsters have a single-chambered stomach.
True or false: Hamsters have a single-chambered stomach.
True or false: Hamsters have a high tolerance for disruption of their intestinal flora.
True or false: Hamsters have a high tolerance for disruption of their intestinal flora.
True or false: Hamsters are diurnal animals.
True or false: Hamsters are diurnal animals.
True or false: Hamsters are social animals that live in large groups?
True or false: Hamsters are social animals that live in large groups?
True or false: Hamsters can be safely picked up by grabbing their loose skin across their shoulders?
True or false: Hamsters can be safely picked up by grabbing their loose skin across their shoulders?
True or false: Hamsters are prone to escaping from their cages and will gnaw their way out if given the opportunity?
True or false: Hamsters are prone to escaping from their cages and will gnaw their way out if given the opportunity?
True or false: Hamsters use items such as exercise wheels and wire bars for climbing and enrichment?
True or false: Hamsters use items such as exercise wheels and wire bars for climbing and enrichment?
True or false: Hamsters have a unique kind of enamel, normally yellowish-orange to brown. The older they are, the lighter their teeth get.
True or false: Hamsters have a unique kind of enamel, normally yellowish-orange to brown. The older they are, the lighter their teeth get.
True or false: Female hamsters can be successfully mated in the evening of the 3rd day following the post-ovulatory discharge.
True or false: Female hamsters can be successfully mated in the evening of the 3rd day following the post-ovulatory discharge.
True or false: Monogamous pair mating of hamsters can produce a litter every 35 to 40 days, beginning about 30 days after the pairing.
True or false: Monogamous pair mating of hamsters can produce a litter every 35 to 40 days, beginning about 30 days after the pairing.
True or false: Hamsters have a gestation period of 15-18 days, which is the shortest among all other lab animals.
True or false: Hamsters have a gestation period of 15-18 days, which is the shortest among all other lab animals.
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Hamsters as Research Models
- Hamsters serve as good research models due to their susceptibility to various diseases, allowing for the study of disease mechanisms.
- They have a relatively longer gestation period than other lab rodents, making them important for reproductive studies.
Overlooked Organ Features
- The stomach of hamsters consists of two compartments: a non-glandular fore-stomach and a glandular stomach.
Etymology of 'Hamster'
- The term 'hamster' in German translates to "to hoard," reflecting their natural behavior of food storage.
Vascular Supply
- Blood supply to hamsters includes arteries that provide nutrients and oxygen to their highly vascular tissue.
Scent Glands
- Hamsters possess scent glands primarily for marking territory. However, some functions may not be commonly recognized, such as specific social interactions.
Non-glandular Fore-stomach
- The non-glandular fore-stomach aids in fermentation and digestion of food before it proceeds to the glandular stomach.
Antibiotic Sensitivity
- Certain antibiotics, like penicillin, should be avoided in hamsters due to their unique microbiota, which can be disrupted by such medications.
Common Behaviors of Hamsters
- Typical hamster behaviors include burrowing and wheel running, while some behaviors might not be as prevalent, such as social bonding in large groups.
Handling and Restraint
- Hamsters can be safely restrained for handling by placing a hand gently around their body, particularly behind the shoulders.
Housing Requirements
- Hamsters are typically housed in cages that provide ample space for movement and enrichment activities.
Signs of Illness
- Common signs of illness in hamsters include lethargy, changes in appetite, and alterations in grooming habits.
Research Applications
- Hamsters are used in research for genetic, physiological, and behavioral studies, though some uses may not be standard.
Age Determination
- The age of a hamster can be assessed through dental wear and the color of their molars, which change as they mature.
Reproductive Information
- The gestation period for hamsters ranges from 15 to 18 days, allowing for rapid breeding cycles.
- Four mating systems for hamsters include monogamous pairings, polygamous setups, group housing, and individual housing.
Behavioral Facts
- Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they are primarily active at night rather than being diurnal.
- These animals are known to escape from enclosures if not properly secured and are prone to gnawing.
Dental Features
- Hamster teeth can exhibit a unique yellowish-orange to brown enamel; older hamsters often have lighter-colored teeth.
Reproductive Timing
- Female hamsters can be mated successfully after the third day following post-ovulation discharge, and monogamous pairings can yield litters every 35 to 40 days post-pairing.
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