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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
[[Image:Wistar rat.jpg|thumb|A Wistar rat. © Charles River laboratories]]
[[Image:Wistar rat.jpg|thumb|A Wistar rat. © Charles River Laboratories]]
They originate from wild brown rats. The process of domestication started in Europe during the 18<sup>th</sup> century, during which 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<sup>th</sup> century, during which 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.
Domestic rats differ from wild rats in that they are calmer, less likely to bite, can tolerate greater crowding, breed earlier and are more prolific. Also, their brains, livers, kidneys, adrenal glands and hearts are smaller.
Domestic rats differ from wild rats in that they are calmer, less likely to bite, can tolerate greater crowding, breed earlier and are more prolific. Also, their brains, livers, kidneys, adrenal glands and hearts are smaller.
[[Image:Rat usage picture.jpg|thumb|400px|Figure 1: Usage of different rat types in research articles from 2001 to 2005 .]]
[[Image:Rat usage picture.jpg|thumb|400px|Figure 1: Usage of different rat types in research articles from 2001 to 2005 .]]