Animal Model

← Back to Glossary

Definition

An animal model is a non-human species used in research to study biological processes, diseases, or interventions.

Correct Scientific Usage

Researchers use animal models to test hypotheses that cannot be ethically or practically tested in humans. Scientists acknowledge species-specific differences and validate findings across multiple models before extrapolating to humans. Well-designed animal studies include appropriate controls, statistical power, and ethical oversight.

Common Misunderstandings

Animal models are often treated as direct predictors of human outcomes. Positive results in animals are frequently interpreted as evidence that a treatment will work in people, even though many animal findings fail to translate in clinical trials.

Why It Matters

Understanding the limitations of animal models prevents overconfidence in preclinical findings. It explains why promising results in mice or rats may not lead to effective human treatments, and why multiple lines of evidence are needed before clinical application.

References

  • The Applicability of Mouse Models to the Study of Human Disease, Methods in Molecular Biology
  • Why animal studies are often poor predictors of human reactions to exposure, JRSM

← Back to Glossary