Task 2: Reflecting on different species

Have a look at the list below and consider the following:

1. Which one would you consider to be an ‘animal’?
2. Which ones you would permit animal research on (with BPS guidance in mind)?

• woodlouse
• octopus
• rat
• coral
• horse
• crab
• cat
• mosquito
• dog
• scorpion
• dolphin
• gorilla
• E. coli

For each answer try to think of reasons why you referred to some of these species as ‘animals’ but not others, or why you think that research on some might be more appropriate than others. Once you have indicated your responses, go to the next page, where you will find the current legal status of research on these species and read about some of the issues involved in determining which animals can and cannot be used in research.