Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the typical litter size of a mouse?

1. 2-6

2. 4-12

3. 8-14

4. 10-16

The correct answer is: 4-12

The typical litter size of a mouse is generally considered to be around 4 to 12 pups per litter. This range reflects the reproductive capability of common laboratory mouse strains, such as the Mus musculus species. Factors such as the mouse's age, health, and environmental conditions can influence litter size, but the average tends to fall within this range. Understanding the reproductive biology of mice is essential in laboratory settings, as it impacts breeding strategies and the management of colonies. A litter size outside of 4 to 12 would be less common and may indicate an anomaly, such as genetic factors or stress conditions affecting the breeding mice.