ALS 2504 Test Two Study Guide

Define Stress

A real or perceived perturbation to an organism's physiological homeostasis or psychological well-being.

Define Distress

A state where the animal is unable to adapt to one or more stressors, is not successfully coping with its environment, and its well-being is compromised.

Define Eustress

A positive condition that maintains life in a pleasurably stimulating manner; beneficial or positive stress.

Define Stressors

Events that initiate stress and can elicit a number of coping mechanisms or adaptive changes.

Physiological systems involved in stress response

nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system

Automatic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the peripheral nervous system, regulates circulation, respiration, digestion, temperature

Function of Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) in stress

Activates the fight-or-flight response and releases catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).

Function of Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) in stress

Promotes rest, energy conservation, relaxation, and releases acetylcholine (ACh).

Immediate Stage of Stress Response

Occurs within 2-3 seconds; direct sympathetic nervous system activation.

Intermediate Stage of Stress Response

Occurs within 20-30 seconds; adrenaline and noradrenaline release from the adrenal medulla.

Prolonged Stage of Stress Response

Takes minutes to weeks; involves ACTH, vasopressin, and thyroxine, altering long-term metabolism and immune health.

Why stress and distress are dissociable concepts

Stress can be an adaptive, non-harmful physiological reaction or even positive (eustress), while distress specifically occurs when an animal fails to cope and its well-being is compromised.

Signs of stress in cats

Dilated pupils, excessive shedding, defensive vocalizations, listlessness

Signs of stress in dogs

Overly active, aggression/defensive display, unexplained house soiling, coat issues, barking/whining, inappropriate chewing/self mutilation

Define Pain

An aversive feeling or sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, triggering physiological, neuroendocrine, and behavioral coping responses; serves a protective mechanism.

Define Nociception

The neural process of encoding noxious (damaging or potentially damaging) stimuli.

Somatic Pain

Pain originating from skin, bones, muscles, joints, or connective tissues.

Visceral Pain

Pain originating from internal organs (e.g., GI tract, bladder, heart).

Neuropathic Pain

Pain caused by damage or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system (nerves, spinal cord, or brain).

Objective Assessment of Pain

Measurement of measurable, quantifiable data such as heart rate, cortisol levels, body temperature, or mechanical threshold testing (e.g., algometers).

Subjective Assessment of Pain

Observational scoring based on human judgment, using standardized rating scales like Visual Analog Scale (VAS) or Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Systematic Assessment of Pain

A structured, comprehensive clinical evaluation combining full physical exams, behavioral scoring, and health history.

Practical Assessment of Pain

Quick, rapid assessment methods designed for efficient field or routine cage-side checks.

Features of the rat grimace scale (RGS)

Orbital tightening (squeezing eyes shut), nose and cheek flattening, ear position changes, whisker position changes

Features of the horse grimace scale (HGS)

Stiffly backward ears, orbital tightening, tension above eye area/primient chewing muscles, mouth/chin tension/strained nostrils,

Five Freedoms

Freedom from thirst, hunger, malnutrition 

Freedom from discomfort 

Freedom from pain, injury, and disease 

Freedom to express normal behaviors

Freedom from from fear and distress

Difference between Well-being and Welfare

Well-being refers to an animal's immediate, short-term state, whereas Welfare refers to the animal's overall, long-term condition over time.

Define Animal Ethics

The philosophical study of the moral status of non-human animals and how humans ought to treat them.

Define Animal Rights

The philosophical belief that animals have inherent rights and should not be used, exploited, or owned by humans for any purpose (advocates for total abolition).

Define Animal Welfare

The scientific and practical approach focused on the physical and psychological well-being of animals within human care and utilization.

Define New Welfarism

The view that while the ultimate long-term goal may be eliminating animal exploitation (rights), animal welfare reforms must be supported in the short term to reduce suffering now.

Welfare Ethic vs. Welfare Law

Welfare Ethic deals with moral obligations regarding how animals should be treated; Welfare Law consists of legally enforceable statutes detailing how animals must be treated.

Animal Welfare Act (AWA)

Passed in 1966; the primary US federal law regulating the treatment, housing, and care of warm-blooded animals used in research, exhibition, and commercial breeding.

Animals included in the AWA

Any living or dead dog, cat, guinea pig, hamster, non human primate, rabbit, or any other warm blooded animal for use in research (except mice and rats)

Animals EXCLUDED from the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)

Rats (genus Rattus), mice (genus Mus), birds bred for research, and farm animals raised for food or fiber.

IACUC Stand-for

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

IACUC Role

A mandatory institutional board that evaluates, approves, and oversees all protocols involving live vertebrate animals in research, testing, and teaching.

Link between Animal and Human Abuse

Animal cruelty is strongly linked to human violence (domestic abuse, child abuse, elder abuse) and serves as a major red-flag indicator for family and community violence.

Two-Dimensional Model of Emotions (Valence)

Refers to whether an emotional state is positive (pleasurable) or negative (unpleasant).

Two-Dimensional Model of Emotions (Arousal)

Refers to the physical and neurological state of activation, ranging from low (calm/sleepy) to high (excited/panicked).

High Arousal + Negative Valence

Fearful, anxious, angry, or panicked.

High Arousal + Positive Valence

Excited, joyful, or playful.

Low Arousal + Negative Valence

Depressed, bored, or hopeless.

Low Arousal + Positive Valence

Relaxed, content, or calm.

Judgment Bias Test Purpose

Assesses an animal's underlying emotional state (affective state) by testing how it responds to ambiguous stimuli (measuring optimism vs. pessimism).

Optimistic Response in Judgment Bias Test

Interpreting ambiguous stimuli as a potential reward (indicates positive welfare/eustress).

Pessimistic Response in Judgment Bias Test

Interpreting ambiguous stimuli as a potential punishment/threat (indicates poor welfare/distress).

Nature Photography

Focuses on capturing accurate images of flora, fauna, and natural habitats primarily for scientific, educational, or aesthetic purposes without direct advocacy.

Conservation Photography

Uses powerful imagery specifically to drive conservation action, policy changes, environmental protection, and public awareness.

Define Nouveau Cirque

A modern circus movement (e.g., Cirque du Soleil) that eliminates or minimizes animal acts, focusing entirely on human athleticism, theatrical storytelling, and artistry.

Define zoological park/garden

Animals are confined in enclosures

Define safari/wildlfie park

Visitors drive to observe freely roaming animals

Define oceanarium/marine mammal park

commercial theme park where animals are kept for special shows

Define marine park

natural reserves and marine wildlife santuaries

AZA Welfare Program 1: Enrichment

Providing environmental stimuli and choices to encourage natural species-typical behaviors.

AZA Welfare Program 2: Habitat

Designing exhibit spaces that meet physical, thermal, social, and psychological needs.

AZA Welfare Program 3: Nutrition

Delivering balanced, species-appropriate diets that promote physical health and natural foraging behaviors.

AZA Welfare Program 4: Health

Providing preventative medical care, disease monitoring, and veterinary treatments.

AZA Welfare Program 5: Research

Conducting scientific studies to better understand animal behavior, physiology, and health in managed care.

AZA Welfare Program 6: Training

Using positive reinforcement training to allow animals to voluntarily participate in their own medical care and daily husbandry.

Taxidermy vs Exodermy

Taxidermy prepares and mounts animal skin for display, exodermy uses leftover parts from taxidermy and arranges them in lifelike poses

Define animals that are performing sports

Working animals that are highly trained

List 5 sports that animals are involved in:

Horse racing

Dog sled racing 

Polo (and elephant polo)

Rodeo

Blood sport

Define Blood Sport

Sports or entertainment involving violence against animals or fight contests between animals (e.g., bullfighting, cockfighting, dogfighting).

Biosecurity

helps to prevent the spread of new disease agents entering a herd through vaccination, disinfection, and quarantine

Define Totem

An animal, plant, or natural object adopted by a group, clan, or tribe as an emblem, ancestor, or spiritual guardian.

Define Cryptozoology

The study of hidden or unproven animals (cryptids like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster); considered a pseudoscience due to reliance on anecdotal evidence.

Feng-Shui Animal: East

Green Dragon (associated with growth, wood, and vital energy).

Feng-Shui Animal: West

White Tiger (associated with protection, metal, and defense).

Feng-Shui Animal: South

Red Phoenix (associated with fame, fire, and transformation).

Feng-Shui Animal: North

Black Turtle (associated with stability, water, and longevity).

Define zodiac

“Circle of animals”

Define Animal Mascot

A symbolic animal figure (live or costumed) representing a team, school, military unit, or brand to boost identity and unity.

Animals as Status Symbols

Using rare, exotic, or expensive animals (or luxury branding named after animals) to demonstrate personal wealth, prestige, or social standing.

Define Amulet

An object or charm worn or kept to protect against harm, evil, or bad luck.

Define Talisman

An object inscribed or crafted with magical symbols believed to attract good luck, power, or specific positive outcomes.

CITES Full Name

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

CITES Purpose

An international agreement ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Horse Protection Act (HPA)

A US federal law passed in 1970 prohibiting horses subjected to soring (deliberately injuring lower legs to create an exaggerated gait) from participating in shows, sales, or exhibitions.

Role of Animals in Sports Logos

Animals in team logos (e.g., Panthers, Dolphins, Eagles) symbolize core organizational attributes such as power, agility, speed, intelligence, or regional pride.