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[[Image:Lab_rat.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Lab Rat''' Source: WikiMedia Commons Author: Jean-Etienne Poirrier (2007)]]

[[Image:Lab_rat.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Lab Rat''' Source: WikiMedia Commons Author: Jean-Etienne Poirrier (2007)]]

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

<ref>Krinke, George J. (2000). "History, Strains and Models". ''The Laboratory Rat (Handbook of Experimental Animals)''. Bullock, G.R., Bunton, T. (Eds.). Academic Press. pp. 3–16.</ref> Laboratory rats belong to the species ''Rattus norvegicus'' and are bred and kept for scientific research.  They are and have been used in experimental studies that have added to our understanding of genetics, disease, pharmacology, psychology and other fields.

<ref>Krinke, George J. (2000). "History, Strains and Models". ''The Laboratory Rat (Handbook of Experimental Animals)''. Bullock, G.R., Bunton, T. (Eds.). Academic Press. pp. 3–16.</ref> Laboratory rats belong to the species ''Rattus norvegicus'' and are bred and kept for scientific research.  They are and have been used in experimental studies that have added to our understanding of genetics, disease, pharmacology, psychology and other fields.

They originate from wild brown rats.  The process of domestication started in Europe during the 18^th century, when wild rats were caught for food and rat-baiting.  Occasionally, albino rats were trapped and these were kept as pets or show animals.  The first time one of these albino mutants was brought into a laboratory for a study was in 1828, in an experiment on fasting.

They originate from wild brown rats.  The process of domestication started in Europe during the 18^th century, when wild rats were caught for food and rat-baiting.  Occasionally, albino rats were trapped and these were kept as pets or show animals.  The first time one of these albino mutants was brought into a laboratory for a study was in 1828, in an experiment on fasting.