4. Rat
Category – Science
Rats are very intelligent and play a vital role in advancing medical research. Although it’s controversial, scientists use lab rats in experiments to further understand disease, new drugs and genetics. More than 20 million mice and rats are used in lab tests every year, to study human diseases and the toxic effects of chemicals on people.
Question –
· Scientists believe wild rats were involved in the Black Death, an illness that swept Europe between 1348 and 1350, killing millions. How did the rats carry the Black Death?
Assignment – Find the answer at the MedicineNet website –
Click here to research the answer.
Bonus Assignments –
· Discover the number of chromosomes for many living things by visiting Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) and typing “List of organisms by chromosome count” in the search box.
· The largest rodents in the world can weigh up to 200 pounds and resemble giant guinea pigs. They are native to South America and enjoy a diet of fruit, tree bark and grass. Learn their name and see the creatures by visiting www.rebsig.com.