Animals as Models or Analogs

Non-human animals are frequently the research subjects in a variety of areas, particularly in the life sciences. In 1997, the Canadian Council of Animal Care reported that 1 474 611 non-human animals were tested as part of research, testing, and teaching in Canada, a reduction from the 2 075 923 non-human animals that were tested in 1985. Most of these were tested as part of basic research in the life sciences, medicine, and veterinary medicine. This article will investigate the strengths and limitations of nonhuman animal research in the life sciences, specifically psychology and the neurosciences.