162 Best Animal Research Topics To Nail Your Paper In 2023

blog image

The world is filled with living things. There are some animals that we know about, some that we will discover, and there are many that we might never know about. All our knowledge about animals is mostly dependant on researchers.

Well, we are rooting for you to be the next great researcher. Be it zoology, veterinary, or live wild stock, your study needs a research topic. If you’re looking for the best animal research topics to nail this year, we’re here with your help.

Table of Contents

Best Animal Research Topics

We have 162 Animal Research Topics that will help you get the best grades this year.

Physiology of Animals Research Topics

physiology of animals research topics

  • Description of the knowledge required to work in animal physiology
  • Study of animal species with different specialties in the sciences of nature and life
  • Life sciences and socioeconomic impacts
  • Neurulation appendages birds
  • Exercises on gastrulation and neurulation
  • Gastrulation amphibians birds
  • Fertilization segmentation in the sea species
  • Gametogenesis: A Detailed Introduction
  • Study of Delimitation: bird appendages
  • Particularities of the developmental biology of certain species
  • Technical-commercial animal physiology
  • Terrestrial and marine ecosystems
  • Animal biology and forensic science: Is there a connection?
  • Animal Biology Biotechnology and molecules of interest regarding food and industry
  • The interest in biology in the diagnosis of animal and plant diseases
  • Toxicology and environmental health concerns in animal physiology
  • Animal and plant production
  • Fundamentals of animal physiology research and analysis
  • Behavior and evolution Genetics of behavior in animals
  • Adaptation and evolution of behavior
  • Comparative studies of general ecology, zoology, and animal physiology
  • Study of animals about the conditions prevailing in their immediate environment
  • Endocrine and neuroendocrine systems in animals
  • Studying the nervous systems in birds
  • Genitals and reproductive physiology of birds
  • Understanding of the anatomical and functional particularities of invertebrates
  • Biology and physiology of invertebrates
  • Reconstruction of phylogenetic trees
  • Morpho-anatomical arguments and the importance of fossils
  • Argued classification of animals
  • Study of the evolution of living organisms by making updates on recent advances in Animalia
  • Phylogeny and Animal Evolution
  • Principles of echolocation in the bats
  • Possible evolution of the increase in complexity of the primitive nervous system
  • The nervous system of the insect
  • Circulation in animal physiology
  • Animals without a differentiated circulatory system
  • Water and mineral balance in animals
  • Thermoregulation in animals
  • Musculoskeletal system in animals
  • Study of animal blood
  • Biological rhythms of animals
  • Skin and teguments of mammals
  • Animal nutrition and metabolism
  • Hormones and endocrine system of animals
  • Emerging organic pollutants
  • Mechanisms of toxicity in animals
  • Animal physiology in animals from temperate regions
  • Genetic correlations between animal species
  • Animal communities, forest ecology, and forest birds
  • Wildlife-habitat modeling

Looking for research topics in general? Read 402  General Research Paper Topics

Animal Research Topics For Student

animal research topics for student

  • Impact of the agricultural raw materials crisis on the marketing of livestock feed
  • Analysis of the competitiveness of poultry produced in the USA
  • Animal cruelty in USA and European countries
  • Seroprevalence of neosporosis in cattle herds
  • The peri-urban dairy sector
  • Effect of the liberalization of the veterinary profession on the vaccination coverage of livestock
  • Why do people kill animals? The psyche behind animal cruelty
  • Evaluation of the growth performance of three sheep breeds
  • Study on the protection of terrestrial ecosystems
  • Ecology of African dung beetles
  • Effects of road infrastructure on wildlife in developing countries
  • Analysis of the consequences of climate change related to pastoral livestock
  • Strategies for management in the animal feed sector
  • The feeding behavior of mosquitoes
  • Bee learning and memory
  • Immediate response to the animal cruelty
  • Study of mass migration of land birds over the ocean
  • A study of crocodile evolution
  • The cockroach escape system
  • The resistance of cockroaches against radiation: Myth or fact?
  • Temperature regulation in the honey bee swarm
  • Irresponsible dog breeding can often lead to an excess of stray dogs and animal cruelty
  • Reliable communication signals in birds

Also see:  How to Write an 8 Page Research Paper ?

Animal Research Topics For University

anima research topics for university

  • Color patterns of moths and moths
  • Mimicry in the sexual signals of fireflies
  • Ecophysiology of the garter snake
  • Memory, dreams regarding cat neurology
  • Spatiotemporal variation in the composition of animal communities
  • Detection of prey in the sand scorpion
  • Internal rhythms in bird migration
  • Genealogy: Giant Panda
  • Animal dissection: Severe type of animal cruelty and a huge blow to animal rights
  • Cuckoo coevolution and patterns
  • Use of plant extracts from Amazonian plants for the design of integrated pest management
  • Research on flying field bug
  • The usefulness of mosquitoes in biological control serves to isolate viruses
  • Habitat use by the Mediterranean Ant
  • Genetic structure of the  African golden wolf  based on its habitat
  • Birds body odor on their interaction with mosquitoes and parasites
  • The role of ecology in the evolution of coloration in owls
  • The invasion of the red swamp crayfish
  • Molecular taxonomy and biogeography of caprellids
  • Bats of Mexico and the United States
  • What can animal rights NGOs do in case of animal cruelty during animal testing initiatives?

Or you can try 297 High School Research Paper Topics to Top The Class

Controversial Animal Research Topics

controversial animal research topics

  • Is it okay to adopt an animal for experimentation?
  • The authorization procedures on animals for scientific experiments
  • The objective of total elimination of animal testing
  • Are there concrete examples of successful scientific advances resulting from animal experimentation?
  • Animal rights for exotic animals: Protection of forests and wildlife
  • How can animal rights help endangered animals
  • Animal experimentation are a type of animal cruelty: A detailed analysis
  • Animal testing: encouraging the use of alternative methods
  • Use of animals for the evaluation of chemical substances
  • Holding seminars on the protection of animals
  • Measures to take against animal cruelty
  • Scientific research on marine life
  • Scientific experiments on animals for medical research
  • Experimentation on great apes
  • Toxicological tests and other safety studies on chemical substances
  • Why isn’t research done directly on humans rather than animals?
  • Are animals necessary to approve new drugs and new medical technologies?
  • Are the results of animal experiments transferable to humans?
  • Humans are not animals, which is why animal research is not effective
  • What medical advances have been made possible by animal testing?
  • Animals never leave laboratories alive
  • Scientific interest does not motivate the use of animal research
  • Animal research is torture 
  • How can a layperson work against animal testing?

Every crime is a controversy too, right? Here are some juicy  Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics  as well.

Animal Research Topics: Animal Rights

animal research topics animal rights

  • Growing awareness of the animal suffering generated by these experiments
  • What are the alternatives to animal testing?
  • Who takes care of animal welfare?
  • Major global organizations working for animal rights
  • Animal rights in developing countries
  • International animal rights standards to work against animal cruelty
  • Animal cruelty in developing countries
  • What can a layperson do when seeing animal cruelty
  • Role of society in the prevention of animal cruelty
  • Animal welfare and animal rights: measures taken against animal cruelty in developing countries
  • Animal cruelty in the name of science
  • How can we raise a better, empathetic and warm-hearted children to put a stop to animal cruelty
  • Ethical animal testing methods with safety
  • Are efforts being made to reduce the number of animals used?
  • The welfare of donkeys and their socioeconomic roles in the subcontinent
  • Animal cruelty and superstitious conceptions of dogs, cats, and donkeys in subcontinent
  • Efforts made by international organizations against the tragedy of animal cruelty
  • International organizations working for animal welfare
  • Animal abuse: What are the immediate measures to take when we see animal cruelty
  • Efforts to stop animal abuse in South Asian Countries
  • Animal abuse in the name of biomedical research

Talking about social causes, let’s have a look at social work topics too: 206  Social Work Research Topics

Interesting Animal Research Topics

interesting animal research topics

  • The urbanization process and its effect on the dispersal of birds:
  • Patterns of diversification in Neotropical amphibians
  • Interactions between non-native parrot species
  • Impact of landscape anthropization dynamics and wild birds’ health
  • Habitat-driven diversification in small mammals
  • Seasonal fluctuations and life cycles of amphipods
  • Animal cruelty in African countries
  • Evolution of the environmental niche of amphibians
  • Biological studies on Louisiana crawfish
  • Biological studies on Pink bollworm
  • Biological studies on snails
  • Biological Studies on Bush Crickets
  • Biological Studies on Mountain Gorillas
  • Biological studies on piranha
  • Consequences of mosquito feeding
  • Birds as bioindicators of environmental health
  • Biological studies on victoria crowned pigeon
  • Biological studies on black rhinoceros
  • Biological studies on European spider
  • Biological studies on dumbo octopus
  • Biological studies on Markhor
  • Study of genetic and demographic variation in amphibian populations
  • Ecology and population dynamics of the blackberry turtle
  • Small-scale population differentiation in ecological and evolutionary mechanisms
  • Challenges in vulture conservation

Also interesting: 232  Chemistry Research Topics  To Make Your Neurochemicals Dance

Submarine Animals Research Topics

submarine animals research topics

  • The physiology behind the luminous fish
  • A study of Fish population dynamics
  • Study of insects on the surface of the water
  • Structure and function of schools of fish
  • Physiological ecology of whales and dolphins
  • Form and function in fish locomotion
  • Why do whales and dolphins jump?
  • Impact of Noise on Early Development and Hearing in Zebrafish
  • Animal cruelty against marine life on the hand of fishermen

Read More:  Accounting Research Topics

Animal Biology Research Topics

animal biology research topics

  • Systematic and zoogeographical study of the ocellated lizards
  • Morphological study of neurohistogenesis in the diencephalon of the chick embryo
  • Anatomical study of three species of Nudibranch
  • The adaptive strategy of two species of lagomorphs
  • The Black vulture: population, general biology, and interactions with other birds
  • Ocellated lizards: their phylogeny and taxonomy
  • Studies on the behavior of ocellated lizards in captivity
  • Comparative studies of the egg-laying and egg-hatching methods of ocellated lizards
  • Studies on the ecology and behavior of ocellated lizards
  • The taxonomic and phylogenetic implications of ocellated lizards
  • Research on the egg-laying and egg-hatching methods of ocellated lizards
  • Studies on the ecology and behavior of ocellated lizards in their natural environment
  • Comparative studies of the egg-laying and egg-hatching methods of ocellated lizards in different countries
  • Studies on the ecology and behavior of ocellated lizards in their natural environment in the light of evolutionary and ecological insights

Animal research topics are not hard to find for you anymore. As you have already read a load of them. You can use any of them and ace your research paper, and you don’t even need to ask permission. If you are looking for a  paper writing service , be it animal research, medical research, or any sort of research, you can contact us 24/7.

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

timely deliveries

Timely Deliveries

premium quality

No Plagiarism & AI

unlimited revisions

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

blog-img

Connections with Writers and support

safe service

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

quality-score

Average Quality Score

Animal Research Topics Unleashed: Fauna Frontiers

image

Table of contents

  • 1 How to Choose Animals Research Topics?
  • 2.1 Animal Physiology Research Topics
  • 2.2 Controversial Animal Topics
  • 2.3 Animal Rights Topics For Research Paper
  • 2.4 Interesting Animal Research Topics
  • 2.5 Veterinary Topics For Research Paper
  • 2.6 Animal Testing Research Topics
  • 2.7 Animal Cruelty Topics
  • 2.8 Research Questions about Animals
  • 3 Get Professional Help for Your Animal Research Paper

Contrary to popular belief, animal research topics are not only used by veterinarians. They are also pursued by students majoring in Healthcare, Sound Engineering, and even subjects like Fashion Studies and Chemistry. Of course, it may require writing an excellent custom research paper because the trick here is to tailor things to what you need. The most challenging, however, is to choose your topic correctly and avoid being vague about what you must explore. Even if you would like to explore environmental issues, using animal research topics will be essential. You need to provide an explanation of your reasoning and the negative effects of human interaction with flora and fauna.

How to Choose Animals Research Topics?

While there may be no universal topic that will reflect all sides of animal-related research, consider those subjects that you know well. It must inspire you and be an area where you feel comfortable. If you love marine life and can provide personal research examples, it would be good to choose something that will suit a reflection journal. Alternatively, consider animal topics for research papers that can be supported by reliable sources and statistical information.

Start with an outline or a list of arguments that you would like to explore. Once done, continue with the wording for your topic that introduces the problem and offers a solution. You may also pose a research question about a problem or make a claim that will be supported by what you include in your paper. Always refer to your grading rubric and choose your research paper type accordingly. For example, your nursing research paper may talk about the use of animals for rehabilitation purposes, while a legal student may talk about animal rights in various countries. It all should be approached through the lens of what you learn as a primary subject!

50+ Most Interesting & Easy Animal Research Topics

Animal physiology research topics.

As you might already know, animal physiology studies anything related to the physical processes, changes in behaviors, breeding patterns, and more. As you think about choosing the animal physiology branch, always narrow things down if possible.

  • Life-supporting properties of trained dogs in the wilderness.
  • Homeostatic processes in migrating birds and the global warming challenges.
  • The changes in circadian pacemakers and the processes of aging.
  • The changes in flora and related metabolomic-based processes.
  • Self-healing practices and digestive enzyme aspects.
  • Food intake and glucose stimulation methods.
  • Insensitivity to insulin: causes and consequences among domestic animals.
  • Muscle cells development and fat management.
  • Fish and Shellfish immunology processes in relation to Covid-19 studies.
  • The role of mammals in the prevention of aquatic toxicology.

Controversial Animal Topics

This aspect of animal research essay writing may not be everyone’s cup of tea, which is why it is necessary to explore the facts and provide information that represents both sides of the debate. Stay sensitive and avoid being too graphic unless it is necessary. Below are some ideas to consider:

  • The cultural practices of whaling in the Faroe Islands and Iceland.
  • Animal testing and vaccination practices in Asian countries.
  • The use of horses, camels, and donkeys to entertain tourists in the Middle East.
  • The consequences of irresponsible dog breeding practices.
  • Climate change and the subsequent loss of the natural habitat.
  • The dark truth about the ivory trade.
  • The use of pets for advertisement and promotional purposes.
  • Animal rights protection and restrictions of breeding.
  • SPA for the pets: a natural development or immoral practice?
  • Animal trading and certification issues.

Animal Rights Topics For Research Paper

The subject of animal rights is popular among students coming from all academic disciplines. Since you can approach it via the philosophical, legal, or medical lens, think about how to reflect your primary skills. It will make your research of animal right topics sound more confident.

  • The regulation of puppy mills and breeding in the United States.
  • The legal aspect of animal sports and related regulation.
  • How should one treat pets that have been abandoned by the owners?
  • Clothing industry and legal regulations: from trading to advertisement.
  • The use of innovative methods in medical research and experimentation.
  • Animal ethics and the theological aspect of animal rights.
  • Training your dog well: what are the basic behavior rules to consider?
  • The breeding limitations and the farming practices in the United Kingdom.
  • Animal rights in the United States vs regulations in Canada.
  • Animal trading: what country should be held responsible for animal mistreatment?

Interesting Animal Research Topics

  • Why do elephants remember everything and how does their brain work?
  • Perception of love and affection among dogs vs cats.
  • The communication methods used by the dolphins.
  • Do horses feel the spirit of the competition during the ride?
  • Perception of children and the elderly by mammals.
  • Survival in the wilderness and the hunt for water.
  • The navigation system of the working bee.
  • How has technology changed domestic animals and their habits?
  • The use of dogs in the world’s rescue operations: unusual case studies.
  • Establishment of emotional bonds with dogs vs cats.

Veterinary Topics For Research Paper

In the majority of cases, you may refer to your veterinary branch first and proceed from there or take a look at the variety of veterinary research topics that we have presented below. Remember to quote every citation and idea that has been taken from other sources to avoid plagiarism.

  • How to establish immune responses in chickens by using disease vaccine prevention methods?
  • How do low doses of ketamine affect healthy dogs during epidural anesthesia?
  • The use of biomarkers for therapeutic purposes and the role of pet owners.
  • RNA genetic analysis and the use of AI-based endometria research to establish common sequences.
  • What do we know about canine coronavirus research: pros and cons of artificial modeling.
  • Egg production changes related to air pollution and chemical vapors.
  • Wildlife surveillance ethics in the United States: pros and cons of modern remote monitoring.
  • What are the causes and consequences of selenium deficiency and how can this aspect be addressed by the tissue analysis.
  • Veterinary cardiology principles and the use of knowledge sourced from human cardio-vascular research.
  • Canine immunopathologies and the high levels of stress caused by Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing.

Animal Testing Research Topics

Even though this subject seems to be discussed everywhere these days, finding good animals topics to write about that deal with animal testing is not easy. Think about what are the underlying reasons for testing and what forces scientists to use it as a method. It will help you come up with ideas and better exploration strategies.

  • Does finding a cure without the use of animals represent only an economical challenge?
  • Genetic research in the United States and the use of animals for research purposes.
  • Should animal cloning and illegal breeding practices be banned?
  • Beauty products industry and animal testing controversies.
  • Stell Cell Research: the role of animals in the current advancement.
  • Cell modulation and modeling as the replacement of animal testing.
  • Animal experimentation and the history of the world’s vaccination methods.
  • Does animal testing lead to safety in relation to emerging diseases?
  • Animal lifespan and the research objectives for medical testing.
  • Current human testing practices: do they represent an alternative to animal testing?

Animal Cruelty Topics

Warning: writing about animal cruelty subject is not for everyone, which is why you must be aware that the facts and statistics you may find will be shocking. It should be explored only if you are ready to embrace this disturbing subject. At the same time, you can explore milder animal cruelty cases like using pets as influencers on social media or the use of donkeys at the beaches to entertain tourists. There is always something to think about!

  • The practice of cockfighting.
  • The cultural heritage of bull-fighting in Spain.
  • The use of monkeys for entertaining purposes.
  • How are animal rights obeyed during filming practices?
  • The use of pets as animal beauty promoters and social media influencers.
  • Illegal farming practices in Asian countries and the Middle East.
  • How can dog hunters be identified and punished?
  • Why does whaling still continue in the Faroe Islands?
  • The use of natural fur during beauty commercials.
  • Vegetarian foods production: how justified it is for natural animal habitat?

Research Questions about Animals

When you would like to take a general approach to animals research, it is good to come up with a research question as a part of your thesis statement or main argumentation. See these animals research paper examples:

  • The use of canines in cancer research methods: what breeds fit the most?.
  • Pig kidney transplantation methods: what are the core genetic aspects.
  • The use of rats in the decrease of immune diseases: why do they represent the most fitting species?
  • Blood transfusions and the use of animal cardio-vascular system principles: what are the points to consider?
  • Can animal behavior patterns be helpful for use in human mental diseases?
  • Animal Welfare Regulations: are there mechanisms to have an impact on animal care?
  • The use of dangerous dog breeds in the world: should such breeding be regulated like gun control?
  • Improvement of cognitive functions among children who are dog owners: what is the role of the animals in question?.
  • PTSD among military veterans: how can we use the animals to help the healing processes?
  • The study of myocardial infarction in primates vs canine studies: why dogs represent better research models?

Get Professional Help for Your Animal Research Paper

Without a doubt, it is easy to get stuck with a multitude of topics and ideas. If you are planning to write about animal rights but do not know how to include certain animal physiology principles, it is safer to consider timely help with research paper. Our skilled team of specialists in this field will provide you with relevant sources and will help you polish things to perfection when you need assistance or do not know how to continue.

The same relates to checking your existing draft and citations in terms of plagiarism and originality. Writing about animals is never easy, which is why we know how you feel and also realize what your college professors expect to see. Take a look at our research topics about animals, trust us with your concerns and we shall help you achieve success!

Readers also enjoyed

150 Actual Biology Research Paper Topics

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

research animals ideas

StatAnalytica

150+ Zoology Project Ideas: Explore Animal Kingdom

zoology project ideas

Zoology, the study of the animal kingdom, is a captivating field that enables us to unravel the mysteries of the natural world. Engaging in zoology project ideas can be a rewarding way to delve into this scientific realm, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the creatures we share our planet with. 

In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of zoology project ideas, guide you on how to choose the right project, offer tips for success, and showcase examples of successful projects.

Types of Zoology Projects

Table of Contents

Research Projects

Study of Animal Behavior: Investigate the behavior patterns of a particular species, shedding light on their social interactions, mating rituals, and daily routines.

  • Taxonomy and Classification: Explore the world of taxonomy by identifying and classifying new or existing species.
  • Endangered Species Conservation: Contribute to the preservation of endangered species by researching their habitats and threats.
  • Evolutionary Biology: Study the evolution of a specific animal group, tracing their lineage through the ages.

Observation and Field Studies

  • Bird Watching and Bird Identification: Observe and document bird species in your local area, noting their migration patterns and habitats.
  • Marine Life Observation: Dive into the underwater world, studying marine life like coral reefs, fish, and other aquatic organisms.
  • Insect Collection and Observation: Collect, identify, and document the behavior of insects in your region.

Experimental Projects

  • Animal Physiology Experiments: Investigate the physiological aspects of animals, such as their metabolism, respiration, or sensory perception.
  • Genetics and DNA Analysis: Explore the genetic makeup of a species, perhaps focusing on a particular gene or mutation.
  • Environmental Impact Studies: Analyze the impact of human activities on local ecosystems and propose solutions for conservation.
120+ Exciting In 2023

How to Choose the Right Zoology Project Ideas?

Selecting the right zoology project is crucial for your enjoyment and success. Consider the following factors:

  • Interests and Passions: Opt for a project that aligns with your interests and passions, as it will keep you motivated and engaged.
  • Available Resources: Ensure you have access to the necessary equipment and research materials.
  • Project Complexity and Scope: Choose a project that matches your level of expertise and the available time.
  • Alignment with Academic Goals: If the project is for a school or college, ensure it aligns with your academic goals and curriculum.

150+ Zoology Project Ideas: Category-Wise

Animal behavior and ethology.

  • Mating Behavior of Peacocks: Investigate the courtship and mating rituals of peacocks.
  • Foraging Habits of Ant Colonies: Study how ants locate, transport, and store food.
  • Communication in Dolphins: Explore how dolphins use sound signals for communication.
  • Nesting Behavior of Sea Turtles: Monitor and document sea turtle nesting patterns.
  • Sleep Patterns in Bats: Investigate the sleep patterns and behaviors of different bat species.

Taxonomy and Classification

  • New Species Discovery: Identify and classify a new or unidentified species.
  • Comparative Anatomy of Mammals: Compare the anatomical features of different mammal species.
  • Phylogenetic Analysis: Construct a phylogenetic tree for a group of related species.
  • Insect Taxonomy: Study and classify local insect species.
  • Plant-Animal Interactions: Examine the interactions between specific plant species and the animals that rely on them.

Conservation and Ecology

  • Impact of Invasive Species: Investigate the effects of invasive species on local ecosystems.
  • Habitat Restoration: Participate in habitat restoration projects for endangered species.
  • Wildlife Corridor Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of wildlife corridors in maintaining genetic diversity.
  • Climate Change and Wildlife: Study the impact of climate change on local wildlife populations.
  • Biodiversity Hotspots: Identify and protect biodiversity hotspots in your region.

Evolutionary Biology

  • Fossil Analysis: Analyze fossils to trace the evolution of a particular group of animals.
  • Comparative Embryology: Study the embryonic development of different species to identify evolutionary relationships.
  • Adaptive Radiation: Investigate instances of adaptive radiation in different animal groups.
  • Hybridization Studies: Examine hybridization between closely related species.
  • Vestigial Organs in Animals: Investigate the presence and function of vestigial organs in various animals.
  • Migration of Monarch Butterflies: Track the migration patterns of monarch butterflies.
  • Urban Wildlife Surveys: Study the adaptation of wildlife in urban environments.
  • Dolphin and Whale Watching: Observe and identify marine mammals off the coast.
  • Rainforest Canopy Exploration: Investigate the biodiversity in the rainforest canopy.
  • Herpetology: Reptile and Amphibian Surveys: Conduct surveys to document reptile and amphibian populations.
  • Effects of Pollution on Aquatic Life: Examine the impact of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.
  • Plant-Animal Mutualism Experiments: Study mutualistic relationships between plants and animals.
  • Animal Sensory Perception: Investigate the sensory perception of a specific animal.
  • Animal Respiration Rates: Measure the respiration rates of different animals.
  • Migratory Bird Navigation Experiments: Research how migratory birds navigate during their long journeys.

Genetics and Molecular Biology

  • DNA Barcoding: Use DNA barcoding to identify species and analyze genetic diversity.
  • Genetic Mapping of a Population: Create genetic maps to understand population genetics.
  • Gene Expression in Fish: Study gene expression in fish exposed to different environmental conditions.
  • Inheritance Patterns in Insects: Investigate Mendelian genetics in insect populations.
  • CRISPR-Cas9 in Model Organisms: Experiment with gene editing in model organisms.

Animal Physiology

  • Hibernation in Bears: Study the physiological adaptations of bears during hibernation.
  • Circulatory System of Birds: Explore the unique circulatory systems of birds.
  • Thermoregulation in Reptiles: Investigate how reptiles regulate their body temperature.
  • Neurobiology of Invertebrates: Study the nervous systems of invertebrates.
  • Endocrine System and Reproduction: Investigate hormonal regulation of reproduction in animals.

Human-Animal Interaction

  • Animal-Assisted Therapy: Examine the therapeutic benefits of interactions between animals and humans.
  • Zoos and Animal Welfare: Assess the welfare of animals in captivity at zoos.
  • Pet Behavior and Training: Study pet behavior and effective training methods.
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation: Participate in wildlife rehabilitation and release programs.
  • The Impact of Domestic Cats on Bird Populations: Research the effects of outdoor cats on local bird populations.

Wildlife Health and Disease

  • Parasite Ecology: Investigate the interactions between parasites and their host species.
  • Zoonotic Disease Transmission: Study diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
  • Wildlife Vaccination Programs: Develop and assess vaccination programs for wildlife.
  • Behavioral Responses to Disease: Examine how animals change their behavior when infected.
  • Antibiotic Resistance in Wildlife: Investigate antibiotic resistance in wildlife populations.

Animal Nutrition and Diet

  • Feeding Preferences in Insects: Study the feeding preferences of different insect species.
  • Herbivore Digestive Systems: Investigate the digestive systems of herbivorous animals.
  • Feeding Strategies in Birds: Examine the feeding strategies of various bird species.
  • Predator-Prey Interactions: Observe and document predator-prey interactions in the wild.
  • Gut Microbiota in Animals: Study the role of gut microbiota in animal nutrition.

Reproductive Biology

  • Sexual Selection in Frogs: Investigate the role of sexual selection in frog mating behaviors.
  • Egg-Laying Patterns in Fish: Examine the timing and location of fish egg laying.
  • Mating Systems in Insects: Study the different mating systems found in insect populations.
  • Reproductive Strategies in Marine Invertebrates: Investigate the diversity of reproductive strategies in marine invertebrates.
  • Parental Care in Birds: Document and analyze parental care behaviors in bird species.

Animal Cognition and Intelligence

  • Problem-Solving in Mammals: Test the problem-solving abilities of mammals using puzzles and tasks.
  • Tool Use in Birds: Study instances of tool use in different bird species.
  • Memory in Insects: Investigate the memory capabilities of insects in learning tasks.
  • Social Learning in Primates: Observe how primates learn from social interactions.
  • Language and Communication in Animals: Examine communication and language use in animals, such as primates and dolphins.

Animal Adaptations

  • Camouflage in Reptiles: Explore the mechanisms of camouflage in reptiles.
  • Desert Adaptations in Mammals: Study how mammals adapt to arid desert environments.
  • Arctic Animal Adaptations: Investigate how Arctic animals survive in extreme cold conditions.
  • Amphibious Adaptations: Examine adaptations in animals that can live both on land and in water.
  • Aquatic Adaptations in Birds: Study adaptations in birds for aquatic lifestyles.

Animal Sounds and Communication

  • Bioacoustics in Bats: Analyze the echolocation calls and communication of bats.
  • Songbird Communication: Investigate the songs and calls of songbirds and their role in communication.
  • Whale Songs and Behavior: Study the songs and behaviors of whales, including humpback and killer whales.
  • Insect Sound Production: Explore the sounds produced by insects, such as crickets and cicadas.
  • Communication in Social Insects: Examine the chemical and tactile communication in social insects like ants and bees.

Endangered Species and Conservation

  • Conservation Breeding Programs: Participate in breeding programs for endangered species.
  • Habitat Restoration for Amphibians: Restore habitats for endangered amphibians.
  • Rhino Anti-Poaching Efforts: Work on anti-poaching initiatives to protect rhinoceros populations.
  • Monitoring Rare Bird Species: Conduct surveys to monitor and protect rare bird species.
  • Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Protection: Protect sea turtle nesting sites through conservation efforts.

Zoology in Art and Culture

  • Wildlife Photography Project: Create a portfolio of wildlife photographs.
  • Zoological Illustrations: Create artistic illustrations of various animal species.
  • Animal Symbolism in Mythology: Explore the cultural and symbolic significance of animals in myths and legends.
  • Animal-Inspired Fashion: Design fashion items inspired by animal patterns or characteristics.
  • Zoological Sculpture Exhibition: Create sculptures representing different animal species.

Paleontology and Fossils

  • Dinosaur Bone Excavation: Join a paleontological team to excavate dinosaur bones.
  • Fossil Preparation and Cleaning: Learn the techniques of fossil preparation.
  • Fossil Identification: Identify and catalog fossils in local rock formations.
  • Amber Inclusions Study: Examine ancient insects and organisms preserved in amber.
  • Trace Fossils and Footprints: Investigate trace fossils, including dinosaur footprints and burrows.

Animal Welfare and Ethics

  • Animal Welfare Legislation Analysis: Research and evaluate the effectiveness of animal welfare laws.
  • Rescue and Rehabilitation of Wildlife: Work with wildlife rehabilitation centers to care for injured or orphaned animals.
  • Animal Rights Advocacy: Engage in campaigns and advocacy for the rights and well-being of animals.
  • Ethical Considerations in Animal Research: Explore the ethical implications of scientific research involving animals.
  • Pet Overpopulation Solutions: Investigate and propose solutions to address pet overpopulation issues.

Zoology in Education

  • Zoology Educational Videos: Create educational videos about various aspects of zoology.
  • Animal Dissection Projects: Conduct dissection projects for educational purposes.
  • Zoology Museum Exhibits: Develop exhibits for a zoology museum or educational institution.
  • Interactive Wildlife Workshops: Organize workshops to teach students and the public about wildlife conservation.
  • Zoology Curriculum Development: Create a zoology curriculum for schools or educational programs.

Insect Biology

  • Insect Migration Patterns: Study the migration patterns of insects like monarch butterflies.
  • Insect-Plant Interactions: Investigate the mutualistic or parasitic relationships between insects and plants.
  • Ant Colony Behavior: Analyze the social structure and behavior of ant colonies.
  • Bee Foraging Behavior: Study the foraging behavior of bees and their impact on pollination.
  • Insect Flight Mechanics: Explore the physics and mechanics of insect flight.

Aquatic Biology

  • Coral Reef Health Assessment: Assess the health of coral reefs and their associated ecosystems.
  • Marine Ecosystem Food Webs: Investigate the food web dynamics in marine ecosystems.
  • Freshwater Fish Diversity: Survey and document the diversity of freshwater fish species in local rivers.
  • Microplastic Impact on Aquatic Life: Study the effects of microplastic pollution on aquatic organisms.
  • Estuarine Ecosystem Dynamics: Examine the ecological interactions in estuarine environments.

Ornithology

  • Raptor Migration Monitoring: Monitor and record the migrations of raptors, such as hawks and eagles.
  • Nesting and Breeding Behavior of Songbirds: Study the nesting behaviors and breeding success of songbirds.
  • Waterfowl Ecology: Investigate the ecology and migratory patterns of waterfowl.
  • Owl Diet Analysis: Analyze the diet of owls by examining their pellets and prey remains.
  • Penguin Behavior and Conservation: Research the behavior and conservation status of penguin species.
  • Bat Roosting and Behavior: Study bat roosting sites and their daily behavior.
  • Carnivore Predation Patterns: Investigate the hunting and predation patterns of carnivorous mammals.
  • Primate Social Structure: Observe and document the social structures of primate groups.
  • Rodent Ecology and Population Dynamics: Analyze the ecology and population fluctuations of local rodent species.
  • Marine Mammal Vocalizations: Research the vocalizations and communication of marine mammals.

Invertebrate Zoology

  • Jellyfish Blooms: Monitor and study jellyfish populations and their ecological impact.
  • Crustacean Molting Behavior: Investigate the molting process in crustaceans like crabs and lobsters.
  • Squid and Cephalopod Behavior: Study the behavior and intelligence of cephalopods.
  • Freshwater Snail Distribution: Survey the distribution of freshwater snail species in different aquatic habitats.
  • Mantis Shrimp Color Vision: Explore the remarkable color vision of mantis shrimp.

Zoology and Technology

  • Wildlife Tracking with GPS: Use GPS technology to track the movement and behavior of animals.
  • Camera Traps for Wildlife Monitoring: Set up camera traps to capture wildlife in their natural habitats.
  • Virtual Reality Zoology: Design educational VR experiences to explore the animal world.
  • Bioinformatics and Genomic Analysis: Apply bioinformatics tools to analyze genetic data.
  • 3D Printing of Animal Models: Create 3D-printed models of different animal species for educational purposes.

Plant and Animal Interactions

  • Pollinator Gardens: Design and maintain a garden to attract and support pollinators.
  • Seed Dispersal Mechanisms: Investigate the various methods plants use to disperse their seeds.
  • Ant-Plant Mutualisms: Study the mutualistic relationships between ants and certain plant species.
  • Herbivore-Induced Plant Defenses: Analyze how plants respond to herbivore attacks.
  • Parasitic Plants and Their Hosts: Explore the interactions between parasitic plants and their host species.
  • Butterfly Garden Project: Create a garden to attract and observe various butterfly species.
  • Aquatic Insect Communities: Study the diversity of aquatic insects in streams and rivers.
  • Insect Biocontrol: Investigate the use of beneficial insects for pest control in agriculture.
  • Firefly Behavior and Synchronization: Research the behavior and synchronization of fireflies.
  • Insect Pollinators and Crop Yield: Examine the role of insect pollinators in crop production.

Amphibians and Reptiles

  • Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Research: Study the chytrid fungus and its impact on amphibian populations.
  • Reptile Coloration and Camouflage: Investigate the coloration and camouflage strategies of reptiles.
  • Amphibian Vocalizations: Record and analyze the calls of frogs and toads.
  • Reptile Diversity in Different Habitats: Document the reptile species found in various ecosystems.
  • Salamander Migration Patterns: Track the migration patterns of salamanders in your region.

Human Impact on Wildlife

  • Roadkill and Wildlife Mortality: Analyze the impact of roads on wildlife mortality.
  • Urbanization and Bird Nesting Success: Study how urban environments affect bird nesting success.
  • Noise Pollution and Bird Communication: Investigate the effects of noise pollution on bird communication.
  • Light Pollution and Nocturnal Animals: Explore how artificial light impacts nocturnal wildlife .
  • Hunting and Wildlife Population Management: Research the effects of hunting on wildlife populations.

How to Get Started With Zoology Project Ideas?

Once you’ve chosen your project, it’s time to get started:

  • Define Your Research Question or Objective: Clearly define what you want to investigate or achieve with your project.
  • Create a Research Plan and Timeline: Outline the steps, set milestones, and establish a realistic timeline for your project.
  • Gather Necessary Equipment and Materials: Ensure you have all the tools and resources required for your research.
  • Seek Guidance from Professors or Experts: Consult with mentors, professors, or experts in the field to refine your project plan and methodology.

Executing Your Zoology Project

With your project plan in place, you can now proceed with the research:

  • Data Collection and Recording: Accurately record your observations, measurements, and data.
  • Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze your findings and draw meaningful conclusions.
  • Troubleshooting and Adapting: Be prepared to encounter challenges and adapt your methods if necessary.
  • Documenting Your Findings: Keep a detailed journal or lab notebook, ensuring your findings are well-documented.

Tips for Success Zoology Projects

Here are some valuable tips to ensure your zoology project is a success:

  • Stay Organized: Maintain meticulous records, and organize your data and materials.
  • Collaborate with Peers or Experts: Collaborative efforts often lead to better results and innovative ideas.
  • Keep a Detailed Journal: Document your progress, thoughts, and setbacks in a journal.
  • Be Patient and Persistent: Research can be challenging, so remain patient and persistent in your pursuits.

Examples of Successful Zoology Projects

Let’s take a look at a few examples of remarkable zoology projects:

Case Study 1: Understanding Bird Migration

A student conducts a year-long study on the migratory patterns of a specific bird species, revealing new information about their routes and behaviors.

Case Study 2: The Genetic Diversity of Frogs

Another student investigates the genetic diversity of local frog populations, contributing to conservation efforts.

Case Study 3: Coral Reefs and Climate Change

A team of researchers studies the impact of climate change on coral reefs, offering insights into their resilience and vulnerability.

Zoology projects offer an exciting way to explore the animal kingdom and contribute to scientific knowledge. By choosing the right zoology project ideas, diligently executing your research, and effectively sharing your findings, you can make a meaningful impact in the field of zoology. The world of animals is waiting to be discovered, and you can be at the forefront of this exploration.

Related Posts

best way to finance car

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

how to get fund for business

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

  • How it works

researchprospect post subheader

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

Yes I want the free topic

45+ Veterinary Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On May 3, 2024

Veterinary medicine is a broad area of study, so there are many potential issues you can base your dissertation or thesis on. You may want to consider veterinary science comparable to human health care, such as laboratory animal medicine, animal welfare, and law so that you can come up with an impactful veterinary dissertation topic.

Choose an interesting but focused research topic that enables you to contribute to your field of study. Choosing a topic for a paper or dissertation is one of the most crucial decisions students must make. So, avoid writing about an idea that is so narrow that you end up having no academic sources to use in the res earch. 

Other Subject Links:

  • Evidence-based Practice Nursing Dissertation Topics
  • Child Health Nursing Dissertation Topics
  • Adult Nursing Dissertation Topics
  • Critical Care Nursing Dissertation Topics
  • Palliative Care Nursing Dissertation Topics
  • Mental Health Nursing Dissertation Topics
  • Nursing Dissertation Topics
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Nursing Dissertation Topics

Veterinary Dissertation Topics and Ideas

  • Animals used for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)
  • Necropsy’s significance in veterinary medicine
  • The value of veterinarians to the retail industry
  • Examination of contemporary pet vaccinations
  • Why not crocodiles or zebras? – investigating contemporary quirks in pet selection
  • Investigating the components of natural animal feeds as the pet food business transitions to natural
  • Rural locations with poor veterinary care: cause and remedies
  • Fear or the dominance theory? – investigating the behavioural issues with dogs
  • The best remedies for thunderstorm anxiety
  • Why do the majority of pets have this phobia? Is it treatable?
  • Is it a myth that animals act poorly because they want to rule the pack?
  • Why do owners of sick animals need to be on guard?
  • Environmental influences on chickens’ egg-laying productivity
  • When do some chickens produce more eggs than others? What are the ideal circumstances to maintain their high levels of productivity?
  • Cardiovascular changes in canine leishmaniasis
  • Relevant clinical alterations in breast cancer in stage 3 females
  • Cancer patients’ nutritional needs and metabolic changes are managed
  • Review of the literature on alternative methods for treating canine atopic dermatitis
  • Analysis of the primary epidemiological traits present in a buck with a breast tumour
  • Cost-benefit analysis of supplemental mineral feeding to beef cattle
  • Little ones frequently experience heart disorders
  • Breast cancer reconstruction procedures for female dogs and cats
  • Laws and public education about animal abuse
  • An outline of the veterinary nurse’s responsibility in stopping owner maltreatment of animals
  • Following surgery, the animals get rehabilitation
  • What part does the veterinary nurse play in addressing the psychological effects of animal abuse? Is there any way to make it better?
  • Illnesses that are extremely contagious and harm domestic animals
  • Veterinary students are taught about public health as part of their training
  • Treatment of sporty horses with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Effectiveness of homoeopathic medication in controlling ticks in dairy cattle
  • A case study of bitches treated at the university veterinary hospital for breast cancer
  • Study of sporotrichosis and visceral leishmaniasis notifications in the CCZ
  • Investigation of the anaesthesia procedure death rate in tiny animals undergoing surgery
  • Ways to improve how domestic animals are treated in the public network
  • The significance of electrocardiography in dogs before surgery
  • Neoplasms in an animal’s reproductive system
  • The relevance of veterinarians in meeting retail needs
  • Factors affecting milk quality in family farm settings
  • As a technique for sustainability in agriculture, rotated grazing
  • Prevalence of breast cancers in women and examination of their clinical and epidemiological features
  • Cigarette carcinogens bring on principal tumours in dogs and cats
  • Carcinogen-related cancer types manifested in dogs and cats exposed to smoke
  • Gentamicin intramammary therapy in lactating cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis
  • Aloe vera and arnica Montana as natural remedies for horse pythiosis
  • Examine the veterinary nursing policies and practices of various nations and any potential working circumstances for nurses there
  • An Investigation on how changing climate patterns affect the distribution of animal diseases and the practice of veterinary medicine.
  • An Analysis of different approaches to prevent and control zoonotic diseases in animals and humans
  • Exploring recent advancements in surgical techniques for veterinary procedures
  • Examining the relationship between animal behaviour, welfare, and veterinary care and proposing strategies to improve the well-being of animals in clinical settings.
  • Investigating the development of new drugs for veterinary use
  • The concept of One Health and its application in managing complex health issues at the intersection of human and animal health
  • Study newly emerging infectious diseases in animals and implications for veterinary practice and public health.
  • A Comparative study on different diagnostic imaging techniques used in veterinary medicine
  • The effectiveness of veterinary education and training programs in preparing graduates for professional practice

Order a Proposal

Worried about your dissertation proposal? Not sure where to start?

  • Choose any deadline
  • Plagiarism free
  • Unlimited free amendments
  • Free anti-plagiarism report
  • Completed to match exact requirements

Order a Proposal

These topics will help you get motivated to start working on your dissertation. You should also check out our list of biology dissertation topics for more inspiration. 

If the topic you choose is interesting and reflects your passion for the subject, it will be much easier for you to complete the dissertation in due time. However, if you face difficulties due to lack of knowledge, time or any other reason, now is the time to use our professional dissertation services ! Hiring a professional writer can help you achieve your desired academic grade from the comfort of your bed. 

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find veterinary dissertation topics.

To find veterinary dissertation topics:

  • Investigate emerging animal health issues.
  • Explore gaps in current research.
  • Consider ethical concerns.
  • Review recent advancements.
  • Consult experts and faculty.
  • Select a topic aligning with your passion and career aspirations.

You May Also Like

The field of business ethics entails establishing the moral rules that govern an organisation’s conduct or administration.

Need interesting and manageable religion, theology and philosophy dissertation topics or thesis? Here are the trending religion, theology and philosophy dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

Need interesting and manageable Environmental Engineering dissertation topics? Here are the trending Environmental Engineering dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

researchprospect-reviews-trust-site

COMPANY DETAILS

Research-Prospect-Writing-Service

  • How It Works

Animal Studies and School Project Ideas

From Science Fair Project Ideas on Mammals to Experiments About Insects

David Williams / EyeEm / Getty Images

  • Cell Biology
  • Weather & Climate
  • B.A., Biology, Emory University
  • A.S., Nursing, Chattahoochee Technical College

Animal research is important for understanding various biological processes in animals , humans included. Scientists study animals in order to learn ways for improving their agricultural health, our methods of wildlife preservation, and even the potential for human companionship. These studies also take advantage of certain animal and human similarities to discover new methods for improving human health.

Learning From Animals

Researching animals to improve human health is possible because animal behavior experiments study disease development and transmission as well as animal viruses . Both of these fields of study help researchers to understand how disease interacts between and within animals.

We can also learn about humans by observing normal and abnormal behavior in non-human animals, or behavioral studies. The following animal project ideas help to introduce animal behavioral study in many different species. Be sure to get permission from your instructor before beginning any animal science projects or behavioral experiments, as some science fairs prohibit these. Select a single species of animal to study from each subset, if not specified, for best results.

Amphibian and Fish Project Ideas

  • Does temperature affect tadpole growth?
  • Do water pH levels affect tadpole growth?
  • Does water temperature affect amphibian respiration?
  • Does magnetism affect limb regeneration in newts?
  • Does water temperature affect fish color?
  • Does the size of a population of fish affect individual growth?
  • Does music affect fish activity?
  • Does the amount of light affect fish activity?

Bird Project Ideas

  • What species of plants attract hummingbirds?
  • How does temperature affect bird migration patterns?
  • What factors increase egg production?
  • Do different bird species prefer different colors of birdseed?
  • Do birds prefer to eat in a group or alone?
  • Do birds prefer one type of habitat over another?
  • How does deforestation affect bird nesting?
  • How do birds interact with manmade structures?
  • Can birds be taught to sing a certain tune?

Insect Project Ideas

  • How does temperature affect the growth of butterflies?
  • How does light affect ants?
  • Do different colors attract or repel insects?
  • How does air pollution affect insects?
  • How do insects adapt to pesticides?
  • Do magnetic fields affect insects?
  • Does soil acidity affect insects?
  • Do insects prefer the food of a certain color?
  • Do insects behave differently in populations of different sizes?
  • What factors cause crickets to chirp more often?
  • What substances do mosquitoes find attractive or repellent?

Mammal Project Ideas

  • Does light variation affect mammal sleep habits?
  • Do cats or dogs have better night vision?
  • Does music affect an animal's mood?
  • Do bird sounds affect cat behavior?
  • Which mammal sense has the greatest effect on short-term memory?
  • Does dog saliva have antimicrobial properties?
  • Does colored water affect mammal drinking habits?
  • What factors influence how many hours a cat sleeps in a day?

Science Experiments and Models

Performing science experiments and constructing models are fun and exciting ways to learn about science and supplement studies. Try making a model of the lungs or a DNA model using candy for these animal experiments.

  • Can Animals Sense Natural Disasters?
  • 23 Plant Experiment Ideas
  • Life and Contributions of Robert Koch, Founder of Modern Bacteriology
  • The Fastest Animals on the Planet
  • The Best and Worst Fathers in the Animal Kingdom
  • 10 of the World's Scariest-Looking Animals
  • Slowest Animals on the Planet
  • Is Spontaneous Generation Real?
  • Animal Viruses
  • Why Some Animals Play Dead
  • Carnivorous Plants
  • Fascinating Animal Facts
  • Animals That Mimic Leaves
  • Common Animal Questions and Answers
  • Biology of Invertebrate Chordates
  • What Is Phylogeny?
  • How it works

"Christmas Offer"

Terms & conditions.

As the Christmas season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and those who we have helped to shape their future. It’s been quite a year for us all! The end of the year brings no greater joy than the opportunity to express to you Christmas greetings and good wishes.

At this special time of year, Research Prospect brings joyful discount of 10% on all its services. May your Christmas and New Year be filled with joy.

We are looking back with appreciation for your loyalty and looking forward to moving into the New Year together.

"Claim this offer"

In unfamiliar and hard times, we have stuck by you. This Christmas, Research Prospect brings you all the joy with exciting discount of 10% on all its services.

Offer valid till 5-1-2024

We love being your partner in success. We know you have been working hard lately, take a break this holiday season to spend time with your loved ones while we make sure you succeed in your academics

Discount code: RP23720

researchprospect post subheader

Published by Robert Bruce at August 29th, 2023 , Revised On August 12, 2024

Biology Research Topics

Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

Table of Contents

Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.

Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements. 

Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.

Research Topics in Marine Biology

  • Impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
  • Biodiversity and adaptation of deep-sea organisms.
  • Effects of pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
  • Role of marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
  • Microplastics in marine environments: sources, impacts, and mitigation.

Biological Anthropology Research Topics

  • Evolutionary implications of early human migration patterns.
  • Genetic and environmental factors influencing human height variation.
  • Cultural evolution and its impact on human societies.
  • Paleoanthropological insights into human dietary adaptations.
  • Genetic diversity and population history of indigenous communities.

Biological Psychology Research Topics 

  • Neurobiological basis of addiction and its treatment.
  • Impact of stress on brain structure and function.
  • Genetic and environmental influences on mental health disorders.
  • Neural mechanisms underlying emotions and emotional regulation.
  • Role of the gut-brain axis in psychological well-being.

Cancer Biology Research Topics 

  • Targeted therapies in precision cancer medicine.
  • Tumor microenvironment and its influence on cancer progression.
  • Epigenetic modifications in cancer development and therapy.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Early detection and diagnosis strategies for various types of cancer.

Also read: Cancer research topics

Cell Biology Research Topics

  • Mechanisms of autophagy and its implications in health and disease.
  • Intracellular transport and organelle dynamics in cell function.
  • Role of cell signaling pathways in cellular response to external stimuli.
  • Cell cycle regulation and its relevance to cancer development.
  • Cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Developmental Biology Research Topics 

  • Genetic and molecular basis of limb development in vertebrates.
  • Evolution of embryonic development and its impact on morphological diversity.
  • Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches.
  • Mechanisms of organogenesis and tissue regeneration in animals.
  • Role of non-coding RNAs in developmental processes.

Also read: Education research topics

Human Biology Research Topics

  • Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
  • Human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.
  • Genetic basis of rare and common human diseases.
  • Genetic and environmental factors contributing to aging.
  • Impact of lifestyle and diet on human health and longevity.

Molecular Biology Research Topics 

  • CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its applications.
  • Non-coding RNAs as regulators of gene expression.
  • Role of epigenetics in gene regulation and disease.
  • Mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability.
  • Molecular basis of cellular metabolism and energy production.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

  • 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species.
  • Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat.
  • Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
  • Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity.
  • Investigating the role of pheromones in insect communication.

Also read: Psychology Research Topics

Synthetic Biology Research Topics 

  • Design and construction of synthetic biological circuits.
  • Synthetic biology applications in biofuel production.
  • Ethical considerations in synthetic biology research and applications.
  • Synthetic biology approaches to engineering novel enzymes.
  • Creating synthetic organisms with modified functions and capabilities.

Animal Biology Research Topics 

  • Evolution of mating behaviors in animal species.
  • Genetic basis of color variation in butterfly wings.
  • Impact of habitat fragmentation on amphibian populations.
  • Behavior and communication in social insect colonies.
  • Adaptations of marine mammals to aquatic environments.

Also read: Nursing research topics

Best Biology Research Topics 

  • Unraveling the mysteries of circadian rhythms in organisms.
  • Investigating the ecological significance of cryptic coloration.
  • Evolution of venomous animals and their prey.
  • The role of endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
  • Exploring the potential of extremophiles in biotechnology.

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

  • Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation.
  • Impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function and mental health.
  • Biological basis of personality traits and behavior.
  • Neural correlates of emotions and emotional disorders.
  • Role of neuroplasticity in brain recovery after injury.

Biological Science Research Topics: 

  • Role of gut microbiota in immune system development.
  • Molecular mechanisms of gene regulation during development.
  • Impact of climate change on insect population dynamics.
  • Genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
  • Evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species based on DNA analysis.

Biology Education Research Topics 

  • Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in biology classrooms.
  • Assessing the impact of virtual labs on student understanding of biology concepts.
  • Gender disparities in science education and strategies for closing the gap.
  • Role of outdoor education in enhancing students’ ecological awareness.
  • Integrating technology in biology education: challenges and opportunities.

Biology-Related Research Topics

  • The intersection of ecology and economics in conservation planning.
  • Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
  • Implications of genetic modification of crops for food security.
  • Evolutionary perspectives on cooperation and altruism in animal behavior.
  • Environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biology Research Proposal Topics

  • Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression.
  • Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.
  • Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder.
  • Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Biology Research Topic Ideas

  • Role of pheromones in insect mate selection and behavior.
  • Investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions.
  • Genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species.
  • Evolutionary patterns in mimicry and camouflage in organisms.

Biology Research Topics for Undergraduates 

  • Effects of different fertilizers on plant growth and soil health.
  • Investigating the biodiversity of a local freshwater ecosystem.
  • Evolutionary origins of a specific animal adaptation.
  • Genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in human populations.
  • Role of specific genes in regulating the immune response.

Cell and Molecular Biology Research Topics 

  • Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
  • Role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
  • Investigating the cell cycle and its control mechanisms.
  • Molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and therapies.
  • Cellular responses to oxidative stress and their implications in ageing.

These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good research topics in biology?

A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.

A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution. 

How to choose a research topic in biology?

Choosing a research topic in biology is simple. 

Follow the steps:

  • Generate potential topics. 
  • Consider your areas of knowledge and personal passions. 
  • Conduct a thorough review of existing literature.
  •  Evaluate the practicality and viability. 
  • Narrow down and refine your research query. 
  • Remain receptive to new ideas and suggestions.

Who Are We?

For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.

You May Also Like

Learn everything about meta synthesis literature review in this comprehensive guide. From definition and process to its types and challenges.

To cite a TED Talk in APA style, include speaker’s name, publication year, talk title, “TED Conferences,” and URL for clarity and accuracy.

Stuck with your dissertation. Worried about that dissertation explicative that has been haunting you for several days but you can’t […]

Ready to place an order?

USEFUL LINKS

Learning resources.

DMCA.com Protection Status

COMPANY DETAILS

Research-Prospect-Writing-Service

  • How It Works

Loading metrics

Open Access

Essays articulate a specific perspective on a topic of broad interest to scientists.

See all article types »

A guide to open science practices for animal research

Contributed equally to this work with: Kai Diederich, Kathrin Schmitt

Affiliation German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Berlin, Germany

* E-mail: [email protected]

ORCID logo

  • Kai Diederich, 
  • Kathrin Schmitt, 
  • Philipp Schwedhelm, 
  • Bettina Bert, 
  • Céline Heinl

PLOS

Published: September 15, 2022

  • https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001810
  • Reader Comments

Fig 1

Translational biomedical research relies on animal experiments and provides the underlying proof of practice for clinical trials, which places an increased duty of care on translational researchers to derive the maximum possible output from every experiment performed. The implementation of open science practices has the potential to initiate a change in research culture that could improve the transparency and quality of translational research in general, as well as increasing the audience and scientific reach of published research. However, open science has become a buzzword in the scientific community that can often miss mark when it comes to practical implementation. In this Essay, we provide a guide to open science practices that can be applied throughout the research process, from study design, through data collection and analysis, to publication and dissemination, to help scientists improve the transparency and quality of their work. As open science practices continue to evolve, we also provide an online toolbox of resources that we will update continually.

Citation: Diederich K, Schmitt K, Schwedhelm P, Bert B, Heinl C (2022) A guide to open science practices for animal research. PLoS Biol 20(9): e3001810. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001810

Copyright: © 2022 Diederich et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Competing interests: I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: All authors are employed at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and part of the German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) which developed and hosts animalstudyregistry.org , a preregistration platform for animal studies and animaltestinfo.de, a database for non-technical project summaries (NTS) of approved animal study protocols within Germany.

Abbreviations: CC, Creative Commons; CIRS-LAS, critical incident reporting system in laboratory animal science; COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019; DOAJ, Directory of Open Access Journals; DOI, digital object identifier; EDA, Experimental Design Assistant; ELN, electronic laboratory notebook; EU, European Union; IMSR, International Mouse Strain Resource; JISC, Joint Information Systems Committee; LIMS, laboratory information management system; MGI, Mouse Genome Informatics; NC3Rs, National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research; NTS, non-technical summary; RRID, Research Resource Identifier

Introduction

Over the past decade, the quality of published scientific literature has been repeatedly called into question by the failure of large replication studies or meta-analyses to demonstrate sufficient translation from experimental research into clinical successes [ 1 – 5 ]. At the same time, the open science movement has gained more and more advocates across various research areas. By sharing all of the information collected during the research process with colleagues and with the public, scientists can improve collaborations within their field and increase the reproducibility and trustworthiness of their work [ 6 ]. Thus, the International Reproducibility Networks have called for more open research [ 7 ].

However, open science practices have not been adopted to the same degree in all research areas. In psychology, which was strongly affected by the so-called reproducibility crisis, the open science movement initiated real practical changes leading to a broad implementation of practices such as preregistration or sharing of data and material [ 8 – 10 ]. By contrast, biomedical research is still lagging behind. Open science might be of high value for research in general, but in translational biomedical research, it is an ethical obligation. It is the responsibility of the scientist to transparently share all data collected to ensure that clinical research can adequately evaluate the risks and benefits of a potential treatment. When Russell and Burch published “The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique” in 1959, scientists started to implement their 3Rs principle to answer the ethical dilemma of animal welfare in the face of scientific progress [ 11 ]. By replacing animal experiments wherever possible, reducing the number of animals to a strict minimum, and refining the procedures where animals have still to be used, this ethical dilemma was addressed. However, in recent years, whether the 3Rs principle is sufficient to fully address ethical concerns about animal experiments has been questioned [ 12 ].

Most people tolerate the use of animals for scientific purposes only under the basic assumption that the knowledge gained will advance research in crucial areas. This implies that performed experiments are reported in a way that enables peers to benefit from the collected data. However, recent studies suggest that a large proportion of animal experiments are never actually published. For example, scientists working within the European Union (EU) have to write an animal study protocol for approval by the competent authorities of the respective country before performing an animal experiment [ 13 ]. In these protocols, scientists have to describe the planned study and justify every animal required for the project. By searching for publications resulting from approved animal study protocols from 2 German University Medical Centers, Wieschowski and colleagues found that only 53% of approved protocols led to a publication after 6 years [ 14 ]. Using a similar approach, Van der Naald and colleagues determined a publication rate of 60% at the Utrecht Medical Center [ 15 ]. In a follow-up survey, the respective researchers named so-called “negative” or null-hypothesis results as the main cause for not publishing outcomes [ 15 ]. The current scientific system is shaped by publishers, funders, and institutions and motivates scientists to publish novel, surprising, and positive results, revealing one of the many structural problems that the numerous efforts towards open science initiatives are targeting. Non-publication not only strongly contradicts ethical values, but also it compromises the quality of published literature by leading to overestimation of effect sizes [ 16 , 17 ]. Furthermore, publications of animal studies too often show poor reporting that strongly impairs the reproducibility, validity, and usefulness of the results [ 18 ]. Unfortunately, the idea that negative or equivocal findings can also contribute to the gain of scientific knowledge is frequently neglected.

So far, the scientific community using animals has shown limited resonance to the open science movement. Due to the strong controversy surrounding animal experiments, scientists have been reluctant to share information on the topic. Additionally, translational research is highly competitive and researchers tend to be secretive about their ideas until they are ready for publication or patent [ 19 , 20 ]. However, this missing openness could also point to a lack of knowledge and training on the many open science options that are available and suitable for animal research. Researchers have to be convinced of the benefits of open science practices, not only for science in general, but also for the individual researcher and each single animal. Yet, the key players in the research system are already starting to value open science practices. An increasing number of journals request open sharing of data, funders pay for open access publications and institutions consider open science practices in hiring decisions. Open science practices can improve the quality of work by enabling valuable scientific input from peers at the early stages of research projects. Furthermore, the extended communication that open science practices offer can draw attention to research and help to expand networks of collaborators and lead to new project opportunities or follow-up positions. Thus, open science practices can be a driver for careers in academia, particularly those of early career researchers.

Beyond these personal benefits, improving transparency in translational biomedical research can boost scientific progress in general. By bringing to light all the recorded research outputs that until now have remained hidden, the publication bias and the overestimation of effect sizes can be reduced [ 17 ]. Large-scale sharing of data can help to synthesize research outputs in preclinical research that will enable better decision-making for clinical research. Disclosing the whole research process will help to uncover systematic problems and support scientists in thoroughly planning their studies. In the long run, we predict that the implementation of open science practices will lead to the use of fewer animals in unintentionally repeated experiments that previously showed unreported negative results or in the establishment of methods by avoiding experimental dead ends that are often not published. More collaborations and sharing of materials and methods can further reduce the number of animal experiments used for the implementation of new techniques.

Open science can and should be implemented at each step of the research process ( Fig 1 ). A vast number of tools are already provided that were either directly conceptualized for animal research or can be adapted easily. In this Essay, we provide an overview of open science tools that improve transparency, reliability, and animal welfare in translational in vivo biomedical research by supporting scientists to clearly communicate their research and by supporting collaborative working. Table 1 lists the most prominent open science tools we discuss, together with their respective links. We have structured this Essay to guide you through which tools can be used at each stage of the research process, from planning and conducting experiments, through to analyzing data and communicating the results. However, many of these tools can be used at many different steps. Table 1 has been deposited on Zenodo and will be updated continuously [ 21 ].

thumbnail

  • PPT PowerPoint slide
  • PNG larger image
  • TIFF original image

Application of open science practices at each step of the research process can maximize the impact of performed animal experiments. The implementation of these practices will lead to less time pressure at the end of a project. Due to the connection of most of these open science practices, spending more time in the planning phase and during the conduction of experiments will save time during the data analysis and publication of the study. Indeed, consulting reporting guidelines early on, preregistering a statistical plan, and writing down crucial experimental details in an electronic lab notebook, will strongly accelerate the writing of a manuscript. If protocols or even electronic lab notebooks were made public, just citing these would simplify the writing of publications. Similarly, if a data management plan is well designed before starting data collection, analyzing, and depositing data in a public repository, as is increasingly required, will be fast. NTS, non-technical summary.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001810.g001

thumbnail

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001810.t001

Planning the study

Transparent practices can be adopted at every stage of the research process. However, to ensure full effectivity, it is highly recommended to engage in detailed planning before the start of the experiment. This can prevent valuable time from being lost at the end of the study due to careless decisions being made at the beginning. Clarifying data management at the start of a project can help avoiding filing chaos that can be very time consuming to untangle. Keeping clear track of a project and study design will also help if new colleagues are included later on in the project or if entire project parts are handed over. In addition, all texts written on the rationale and hypothesis of the study or method descriptions, or design schemes created during the planning phase can be used in the final publications ( Fig 1 ). Similarly, information required for preregistration of animal studies or for reporting according to the ARRIVE guidelines are an extension of the details required for ethical approval [ 22 , 23 ]. Thus, the time burden within the planning phase is often overestimated. Furthermore, the thorough planning of experiments can avoid the unnecessary use of animals by preventing wrong avenues from being pursued.

Implementing open scientific practices at the beginning of a project does not mean that the idea and study plan must be shared immediately, but rather is critical for making the entire workflow transparent at the end of the project. However, optional early sharing of information can enable peers to give feedback on the study plan. Studies potentially benefit more from this a priori input than they would from the classical a posteriori peer-review process.

Most people perceive guidelines as advice that instructs on how to do something. However, it is sometimes useful to consider the term in its original meaning; “the line that guides us”. In this sense, following guidelines is not simply fulfilling a duty, but is a process that can help to design a sound research study and, as such, guidelines should be consulted at the planning stage of a project. The PREPARE guidelines are a list of important points that should be thought-out before starting a study involving animal experiments in order to reduce the waste of animals, promote alternatives, and increase the reproducibility of research and testing [ 24 ]. The PREPARE checklist helps to thoroughly plan a study and focuses on improving the communication and collaboration between all involved participants of the study (i.e., animal caretakers and scientists). Indeed, open science begins with the communication within a research facility. It is currently available in 33 languages and the responsible team from Norecopa, Norway’s 3R-center, takes requests for translations into further languages.

The UK Reproducibility Network has also published several guiding documents (primers) on important topics for open and reproducible science. These address issues such as data sharing [ 25 ], open access [ 26 ], open code and software [ 27 ], and preprints [ 28 ], as well as preregistration and registered reports [ 27 ]. Consultation of these primers is not only helpful in the relevant phases of the experiment but is also encouraged in the planning phase.

Although the ARRIVE guidelines are primarily a reporting guideline specifically designed for preparing a publication containing animal data, they can also support researchers when planning their experiments [ 22 , 23 ]. Going through the ARRIVE website, researchers will find tools and explanations that can support them in planning their experiments [ 29 ]. Consulting the ARRIVE checklist at the beginning of a project can help in deciding what details need to be documented during conduction of the experiments. This is particularly advisable, given that compliance to ARRIVE is still poor [ 18 ].

Experimental design

To maximize the validity of performed experiments and the knowledge gained, designing the study well is crucial. It is important that the chosen animal species reflects the investigated disease well and that basic characteristics of the animal, such as sex or age, are considered carefully [ 30 ]. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research provides a collection of resources on the integration of sex and gender in biomedical research with animals, including tips and tools for researchers and reviewers [ 31 ]. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary standardization of biological and environmental factors that can reduce the external validity of results [ 32 ]. Meticulous statistical planning can further optimize the use of animals. Free to use online tools for calculating sample sizes such as G*Power or the inVivo software package for R can further support animal researchers in designing their statistical plan [ 33 , 34 ]. Randomization for the allocation of groups can be supported with specific tools for scientists like Research Randomizer, but also by simple online random number generators [ 35 ]. Furthermore, it might be advisable when designing the study to incorporate pathological analyses into the experimental plan. Optimal planning of tissue collection, performance of pathological procedures according to accepted best practices, and use of optimal pathological analysis and reporting methods can add some extra knowledge that would otherwise be lost. This can improve the reproducibility and quality of translational biomedicine, especially, but not exclusively, in animal studies with morphological endpoints. In all animal studies, unexpected deaths in experimental animals can occur and be the cause of lost data or missed opportunities to identify health problems [ 36 , 37 ].

To support researchers in designing their animal research, the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) has also developed the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA) [ 38 , 39 ]. This online tool helps researchers to better structure in vivo research by creating detailed schemes of the study design. It provides feedback on the entered design, drawing researcher’s attention to crucial decisions in the project. The resulting schemes can be used to transparently share the study design by uploading it into a study preregistration, enclosing it in a grant application, or submitting it with a final manuscript. The EDA can be used for different study designs in diverse scenarios and helps to communicate researcher plans to others [ 40 ]. The EDA might be particularly of interest to clarify very complex study designs involving multiple experimental groups. Working with the EDA might appear rather complex in the beginning, but the NC3R provides regular webinars that can help to answer any questions that arise.

Preregistration

Preregistration is an effective tool to improve the quality and transparency of research. To preregister their work, scientists must determine crucial details of the study before starting any experiment. Changes occurring during a study can be outlined at the end. A preregistered study plan should include at least the hypothesis and determine all the parameters that are known in advance. A description of the planned study design and statistical analysis will enable reviewers and peers to better retrace the workflow. It can prevent the intentional use of the flexibility of analysis to reach p -values under a certain significance level (e.g., p-hacking or HARKing (Hypothesizing After Results are Known)). With preregistration, scientists can also claim their idea at an early stage of their research with a citable individual identifier that labels the idea as their own. Some open preregistration platforms also provide a digital object identifier (DOI), which makes the registered study citable. Three public registries actively encourage the preregistration of animal studies conducted around the world: OSF registry, preclinicaltrials.eu, and animalstudyregistry.org [ 41 – 45 ]. Scientists can choose the registry according to their needs. Preregistering a study in a public registry supports scientists in planning their study and later to critically reevaluate their own work and assess its limitations and potentials.

As an alternative to public registries, researchers can also submit their study plan to one of hundreds of journals already publishing registered reports, including many journals open to animal research [ 8 ]. A submitted registered report passes 2 steps of peer review. In the first step, reviewers comment on the idea and the study design. After an “in-principle-acceptance,” researchers can conduct their study as planned. If the authors conduct the experiments as described in the accepted study protocol, the journal will publish the final study regardless of the outcome. This might be an attractive option, especially for early career researchers, as a manuscript is published at the beginning of a project with the guarantee of a future final publication.

The benefits of preregistration can already be observed in clinical research, where registration has been mandatory for most trials for more than 20 years. Preregistration in clinical research has helped to make known what has been tested and not just what worked and was published, and the implementation of trial registration has strongly reduced the number of publications reporting significant treatment effects [ 46 ]. In animal research, with its unrealistically high percentage of positive results, preregistration seems to be particularly worthwhile.

Research data management

To get the most out of performed animal experiments, effective sharing of data at the end of the study is essential. Sharing research data optimally is complex and needs to be prepared in advance. Thus, data management can be seen as one part of planning a study thoroughly. Many funders have recognized the value of the original research data and request a data management plan from applicants in advance [ 25 , 47 ]. Various freely available tools such as DMPTool or DMPonline already exist to design a research data management plan that complies to the requirements of different funders [ 48 , 49 ]. The data management plan defines the types of data collected and describes the handling and names responsible persons throughout the data lifecycle. This includes collecting the data, analyzing, archiving, and sharing it. Finally, a data management plan enables long-term access and the possibility for reuse by peers. Developing such a plan, whether it is required by funders or not, will later simplify the application of the FAIR data principle (see section on the FAIR data principle). The Longwood Medical Area Research Data Management Working Group from the Harvard Medical School developed a checklist to assist researchers in optimally managing their data throughout the data lifecycle [ 50 ]. Similarly, the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) provides a great research data management toolkit including a checklist for researchers planning their project [ 51 ]. Consulting this checklist in the planning phase of a project can prevent common errors in research data management.

Non-technical project summary

One instrument specifically conceived to create transparency on animal research for the general public is the so-called non-technical project summary (NTS). All animal protocols approved within the EU must be accompanied by these comprehensible summaries. NTSs are intended to inform the public about ongoing animal experiments. They are anonymous and include information on the objectives and potential benefits of the project, the expected harm, the number of animals, the species, and a statement of compliance with the requirements of the 3Rs principle. However, beyond simply informing the public, NTSs can also be used for meta-research to help identify new research areas with an increased need for new 3R technologies [ 52 , 53 ]. NTSs become an excellent tool to appropriately communicate the scientific value of the approved protocol and for meta-scientists to generate added value by systematically analyzing theses summaries if they fulfill a minimum quality threshold [ 54 , 55 ]. In 2021, the EU launched the ALURES platform ( Table 1 ), where NTSs from all member states are published together, opening the opportunities for EU-wide meta-research. NTSs are, in contrast to other open science practices, mandatory in the EU. However, instead of thinking of them as an annoying duty, it might be worth thoroughly drafting the NTS to support the goals of more transparency towards the public, enabling an open dialogue and reducing extreme opinions.

Conducting the experiments

Once the experiments begin, documentation of all necessary details is essential to ensure the transparency of the workflow. This includes methodological details that are crucial for replicating experiments, but also failed attempts that could help peers to avoid experiments that do not work in the future. All information should be stored in such a way that it can be found easily and shared later. In this area, many new tools have emerged in recent years ( Table 1 ). These tools will not only make research transparent for colleagues, but also help to keep track of one’s own research and improve internal collaboration.

Electronic laboratory notebooks

Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) are an important pillar of research data management and open science. ELNs facilitate the structured and harmonized documentation of the data generation workflow, ensure data integrity, and keep track of all modifications made to the original data based on an audit trail option. Moreover, ELNs simplify the sharing of data and support collaborations within and outside the research group. Methodological details and research data become searchable and traceable. There is an extensive amount of literature providing advice on the selection and the implementation process of an ELN depending on the specific needs and research area and its discussion would be beyond the scope of this Essay [ 56 – 58 ]. Some ELNs are connected to a laboratory information management system (LIMS) that provides an animal module supporting the tracking of animal details [ 59 ]. But as research involving animals is highly heterogeneous, this might not be the only decision point and we cannot recommend a specific ELN that is suitable for all animal research.

ELNs are already established in the pharmaceutical industry and their use is on the rise among academics as well. However, due to concerns around costs for licenses, data security, and loss of flexibility, many research institutions still fear the expenses that the introduction of such a system would incur [ 56 ]. Nevertheless, an increasing number of academic institutions are implementing ELNs and appreciating the associated benefits [ 60 ]. If your institution already has an ELN, it might be easiest to just use the option available in the research environment. If not, the Harvard Medical School provides an extensive and updated overview of various features of different ELNs that can support scientists in choosing the appropriate one for their research [ 61 ]. There are many commercial ELN products, which may be preferred when the administrative workload should be outsourced to a large extent. However, open-source products such as eLabFTW or open BIS provide a greater opportunity for customization to meet specific needs of individual research institutions [ 62 – 64 ]. A huge number of options are available depending on the resources and the features required. Some scientists might prefer generic note taking tools such as Evernote or just a simple Word document that offers infinite flexibility, but specific ELNs can further support good record keeping practice by providing immutability, automated backups, standardized methods, and protocols to follow. Clearly defining the specific requirements expected might help to choose an adequate system that would improve the quality of the record compared to classical paper laboratory notebooks.

Sharing protocols

Adequate sharing of methods in translational biomedical sciences is key to reproducibility. Several repositories exist that simplify the publication and exchange of protocols. Writing down methods at the end of the project bears the risk that crucial details might be missing [ 65 ]. On protocols.io, scientists can note all methodological details of a procedure, complete them with uploaded documents, and keep them for personal use or share them with collaborators [ 66 ]. Authors can also decide at any point in time to make their protocol public. Protocols published on protocols.io receive a DOI and become citable; they can be commented on by peers and adapted according to the needs of the individual researcher. Protocol.io files from established protocols can also be submitted together with some context and sample datasets to PLOS ONE , where it can be peer-reviewed and potentially published [ 67 , 68 ]. Depending on the affiliation of the researchers to academia or industry and on an internal or public sharing of files, protocols.io can be free of charge or come with costs. Other journals also encourage their authors to deposit their protocols in a freely accessible repository, such as protocol exchange from Nature portfolio [ 69 ]. Another option might be to separately submit a protocol that was validated by its use in an already published research article to an online and peer-reviewed journal specific for research protocols, such as Bio-Protocol. A multitude of journals, including eLife and Science already collaborate with Bio-Protocol and recommend authors to publish the method in Bio-Protocol [ 70 ]. Bio-Protocol has no submission fees and is freely available to all readers. Both protocols.io and Bio-Protocol allow the illustration of complex scientific methods by uploading videos to published protocols. In addition, protocols can be deposited in a general research repository such as the Open Science Framework (OSF repository) and referenced in appropriate publications.

Sharing critical incidents

Sharing critical or even adverse events that occur in the context of animal experimentation can help other scientists to avoid committing the same mistakes. The system of sharing critical incidents is already established in clinical practice and helps to improve medical care [ 71 , 72 ]. The online platform critical incident reporting system in laboratory animal science (CIRS-LAS) represents the first preclinical equivalent to these clinical systems [ 73 ]. With this web-based tool, critical incidents in animal research can be reported anonymously without registration. An expert panel helps to analyze the incident to encourage an open dialogue. Critical incident reporting is still very marginal in animal research and performed procedures are very variable. These factors make a systemic analysis and a targeted search of incidence difficult. However, it may be of special interest for methods that are broadly used in animal research such as anesthesia. Indeed, a broad feed of this system with data on errors occurring in standard procedures today could help avoid critical incidences in the future and refine animal experiments.

Sharing animals, organs, and tissue

When we think about open science, sharing results and data are often in focus. However, sharing material is also part of a collaborative and open research culture that could help to greatly reduce the number of experimental animals used. When an animal is killed to obtain specific tissue or organs, the remainder is mostly discarded. This may constitute a wasteful practice, as surplus tissue can be used by other researchers for different analyses. More animals are currently killed as surplus than are used in experiments, demonstrating the potential for sharing these animals [ 74 , 75 ].

Sharing information on generated surplus is therefore not only economical, but also an effective way to reduce the number of animals used for scientific purposes. The open-source software Anishare is a straightforward way for breeders of genetically modified lines to promote their surplus offspring or organs within an institution [ 76 ]. The database AniMatch ( Table 1 ) connects scientists within Europe who are offering tissue or organs with scientists seeking this material. Scientists already sharing animal organs can support this process by describing it in publications and making peers aware of this possibility [ 77 ]. Specialized research communities also allow sharing of animal tissue or animal-derived products worldwide that are typically used in these fields on a collaborative basis via the SEARCH-framework [ 78 , 79 ]. Depositing transgenic mice lines into one of several repositories for mouse strains can help to further minimize efforts in producing new transgenic lines and most importantly reduce the number of surplus animals by supporting the cryoconservation of mouse lines. The International Mouse Strain Resource (IMSR) can be used to help find an adequate repository or to help scientists seeking a specific transgenic line find a match [ 80 ].

Analyzing the data

Animal researchers have to handle increasingly complex data. Imaging, electrophysiological recording, or automated behavioral tracking, for example, produce huge datasets. Data can be shared as raw numerical output but also as images, videos, sounds, or other forms from which raw numerical data can be generated. As the heterogeneity and the complexity of research data increases, infinite possibilities for analysis emerge. Transparently reporting how the data were processed will enable peers to better interpret reported results. To get the most out of performed animal experiments, it is crucial to allow other scientists to replicate the analysis and adapt it to their research questions. It is therefore highly recommended to use formats and tools during the analysis that allow a straightforward exchange of code and data later on.

Transparent coding

The use of non-transparent analysis codes have led to a lack of reproducibility of results [ 81 ]. Sharing code is essential for complex analysis and enables other researchers to reproduce results and perform follow-up studies, and citable code gives credit for the development of new algorithms ( Table 1 ). Jupyter Notebooks are a convenient way to share data science pipelines that may use a variety of coding languages, including like Python, R or Matlab, and also share the results of analyses in the form of tables, diagrams, images, and videos. Notebooks contain source code and can be published or collaboratively shared on platforms like GitHub or GitLab, where version control of source code is implemented. The data-archiving tool Zenodo can be used to archive a repository on GitHub and create a DOI for the archive. Thereby contents become citable. Using free and open-source programming language like R or Python will increase the number of potential researchers that can work with the published code. Best practice for research software is to publish the source code with a license that allows modification and redistribution.

Choice of data visualization

Choosing the right format for the visualization of data can increase its accessibility to a broad scientific audience and enable peers to better judge the validity of the results. Studies based on animal research often work with very small sample sizes. Visualizing these data in histograms may lead to an overestimation of the outcomes. Choosing the right dot plots that makes all recorded points visible and at the same time focusses on the summary instead of the individual points can further improve the intuitive understanding of a result. If the sample size is too low, it might not be meaningful to visualize error bars. A variety of freely available tools already exists that can support scientists in creating the most appropriate graphs for their data [ 82 ]. In particular, when representing microscopy results or heat maps, it should be kept in mind that a large part of the population cannot perceive the classical red and green representation [ 83 ]. Opting for the color-blind safe color maps and checking images with free tools such as color oracle ( Table 1 ) can increase the accessibility of graphs. Multiple journals have already addressed flaws in data visualization and have introduced new policies that will accelerate the uptake of transparent representation of results.

Publication of all study outcomes

Open science practices have received much attention in the past few years when it comes to publication of the results. However, it is important to emphasize that although open science tools have their greatest impact at the end of the project, good study preparation and sharing of the study plan and data early on can greatly increase the transparency at the end.

The FAIR data principle

To maximize the impact and outcome of a study, and to make the best long-term use of data generated through animal experiments, researchers should publish all data collected during their research according to the FAIR data principle. That means the data should be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. The FAIR principle is thus an extension of open access publishing. Data should not only be published without paywalls or other access restrictions, but also in such a manner that they can be reused and further processed by others. For this, legal as well as technical requirements must be met by the data. To achieve this, the GoFAIR initiative has developed a set of principles that should be taken into account as early as at the data collection stage [ 49 , 84 ]. In addition to extensively described and machine-readable metadata, these principles include, for example, the application of globally persistent identifiers, the use of open file formats, and standardized communication protocols to ensure that humans and machines can easily download the data. A well-chosen repository to upload the data is then just the final step to publish FAIR data.

FAIR data can strongly increase the knowledge gained from performed animal experiments. Thus, the same data can be analyzed by different researchers and could be combined to obtain larger sample sizes, as already occurs in the neuroimaging community, which works with comparable datasets [ 85 ]. Furthermore, the sharing of data enables other researchers to analyze published datasets and estimate measurement reliabilities to optimize their own data collection [ 86 , 87 ]. This will help to improve the translation from animal research into clinics and simultaneously reduce the number of animal experiment in future.

Reporting guidelines

In preclinical research, the ARRIVE guidelines are the current state of the art when it comes to reporting data based on animal experiments [ 22 , 23 ]. The ARRIVE guidelines have been endorsed by more than 1,000 journals who ask that scientists comply with them when reporting their outcomes. Since the ARRIVE guidelines have not had the expected impact on the transparency of reporting in animal research publications, a more rigorous update has been developed to facilitate their application in practice (ARRIVE 2.0 [ 23 ]). We believe that the ARRIVE guidelines can be more effective if they are implemented at a very early stage of the project (see section on guidelines). Some more specialized reporting guidelines have also emerged for individual research fields that rely on animal studies, such as endodontology [ 88 ]. The equator network collects all guidelines and makes them easily findable with their search tool on their website ( Table 1 ). MERIDIAN also offers a 1-stop shop for all reporting guidelines involving the use of animals across all research sectors [ 89 ]. It is thus worth checking for new reporting guidelines before preparing a manuscript to maximize the transparency of described experiments.

Identifiers

Persistent identifiers for published work, authors, or resources are key for making public data findable by search engines and are thus a prerequisite for compliance to FAIR data principles. The most common identifier for publications will be a DOI, which makes the work citable. A DOI is a globally unique string assigned by the International DOI Foundation to identify content permanently and provide a persistent link to its location on the Internet. An ORCID ID is used as a personal persistent identifier and is recommendable to unmistakably identify an author ( Table 1 ). This will avoid confusions between authors with the same name or in the case of name changes or changes of affiliation. Research Resource Identifiers (RRID) are unique ID numbers that help to transparently report research resources. RRID also apply to animals to clearly identify the species used. RRID help avoid confusion between different names or changing names of genetic lines and, importantly, make them machine findable. The RRID Portal helps scientists find a specific RRID or create one if necessary ( Table 1 ). In the context of genetically altered animal lines, correct naming is key. The Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) Database is the authoritative source of official names for mouse genes, alleles, and strains ([ 90 ]).

Preprint publication

Preprints have undergone unprecedented success, particularly during the height of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic when the need for rapid dissemination of scientific knowledge was critical. The publication process for scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals usually requires a considerable amount of time, ranging from a few months to several years, mainly due to the lengthy review process and inefficient editorial procedures [ 91 , 92 ]. Preprints typically precede formal publication in scientific journals and, thus, do not go through a peer review process, thus, facilitating the prompt open dissemination of important scientific findings within the scientific community. However, submitted papers are usually screened and checked for plagiarism. Preprints are assigned a DOI so they can be cited. Once a preprint is published in a journal, its status is automatically updated on the preprint server. The preprint is linked to the publication via CrossRef and mentioned accordingly on the website of the respective preprint platform.

After initial skepticism, most publishers now allow papers to be posted on preprint servers prior to submission. An increasing number of journals even allow direct submission of a preprint to their peer review process. The US National Institutes of Health and the Wellcome Trust, among other funders, also encourage prepublication and permit researchers to cite preprints in their grant applications. There are now numerous preprint repositories for different scientific disciplines. BioASAP provides a searchable database for preprint servers that can help in identifying the one that best matches an individual’s needs [ 93 ]. The most popular repository for animal research is bioRxiv, which is hosted by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory ( Table 1 ).

The early exchange of scientific results is particularly important for animal research. This acceleration of the publication process can help other scientists to adapt their research or could even prevent animal experiments if other scientists become aware that an experiment has already been done before starting their own. In addition, preprints can help to increase the visibility of research. Journal articles that have a corresponding preprint publication have higher citation and Altmetric counts than articles without preprint [ 94 ]. In addition, the publication of preprints can help to combat publication bias, which represents a major problem in animal research [ 16 ]. Since journals and readers prioritize cutting-edge studies with positive results over inconclusive or negative results, researchers are reluctant to invest time and money in a manuscript that is unlikely to be accepted in a high-impact journal.

In addition to the option of publishing as preprint, other alternative publication formats have recently been introduced to facilitate the publication of research results that are hard to publish in traditional peer-reviewed journals. These include micro publications, data repositories, data journals, publication platforms, and journals that focus on negative or inconclusive results. The tool fiddle can support scientists in choosing the right publication format [ 95 , 96 ].

Open access publication

Publishing open access is one of the most established open science strategies. In contrast to the FAIR data principle, the term open access publication refers usually to the publication of a manuscript on a platform that is accessible free of charge—in translational biomedical research, this is mostly in the form of a scientific journal article. Originally, publications accessible free of charge were the answer to the paywalls established by renowned publishing houses, which led to social inequalities within and outside the research system. In translational biomedical research, the ethical aspect of urgently needed transparency is another argument in favor of open access publication, as these studies will not only be findable, but also internationally readable.

There are different ways of open access publishing; the 2 main routes are gold open access and green open access. Numerous journals offer now gold open access. It refers to the immediate and fully accessible publication of an article. The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) provides a complete and updated list for high-quality, open access, and peer-reviewed journals [ 97 ]. Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin offers a specific tool for biomedical open access journals that supports animal researchers to choose an appropriate journal [ 49 ]. In addition, the Sherpa Romeo platform is a straightforward way to identify publisher open access policies on a journal-by-journal basis, including information on preprints, but also on licensing of articles [ 51 ]. Hybrid open access refers to openly accessible articles in otherwise paywalled journals. By contrast, green open access refers to the publication of a manuscript or article in a repository that is mostly operated by institutions and/or universities. The publication can be exclusively on the repository or in combination with a publisher. In the quality-assured, global Directory of Open Access Repositories (openDOAR), scientists can find thousands of indexed open access repositories [ 49 ]. The publisher often sets an embargo during which the authors cannot make the publication available in the repository, which can restrict the combined model. It is worth mentioning that gold open access is usually more expensive for the authors, as they have to pay an article processing charge. However, the article’s outreach is usually much higher than the outreach of an article in a repository or available exclusively as subscription content [ 98 ]. Diamond open access refers to publications and publication platforms that can be read free of charge by anyone interested and for which no costs are incurred by the authors either. It is the simplest and fairest form of open access for all parties involved, as no one is prevented from participating in scientific discourse by payment barriers. For now, it is not as widespread as the other forms because publishers have to find alternative sources of revenue to cover their costs.

As social media and the researcher’s individual public outreach are becoming increasingly important, it should be remembered that the accessibility of a publication should not be confused with the licensing under which the publication is made available. In order to be able to share and reuse one’s own work in the future, we recommend looking for journals that allow publications under the Creative Commons licenses CC BY or CC BY-NC. This also allows the immediate combination of gold and green open access.

Creative commons licenses

Attributing Creative Commons (CC) licenses to scientific content can make research broadly available and clearly specifies the terms and conditions under which people can reuse and redistribute the intellectual property, namely publications and data, while giving the credit to whom it deserves [ 49 ]. As the laws on copyright vary from country to country and law texts are difficult to understand for outsiders, the CC licenses are designed to be easily understandable and are available in 41 languages. This way, users can easily avoid accidental misuse. The CC initiative developed a tool that enables researchers to find the license that best fits their interests [ 49 ]. Since the licenses are based on a modular concept ranging from relatively unrestricted licenses (CC BY, free to use, credit must be given) to more restricted licenses (CC BY-NC-ND, only free to share for non-commercial purposes, credit must be given), one can find an appropriate license even for the most sensitive content. Publishing under an open CC license will not only make the publication easy to access but can also help to increase its reach. It can stimulate other researchers and the interested public to share this article within their network and to make the best future use of it. Bear in mind that datasets published independently from an article may receive a different CC license. In terms of intellectual property, data are not protected in the same way as articles, which is why the CC initiative in the United Kingdom recommends publishing them under a CC0 (“no rights reserved”) license or the Public Domain Mark. This gives everybody the right to use the data freely. In an animal ethics sense, this is especially important in order to get the most out of data derived from animal experiments.

Data and code repositories

Sharing research data is essential to ensure reproducibility and to facilitate scientific progress. This is particularly true in animal research and the scientific community increasingly recognizes the value of sharing research data. However, even though there is increasing support for the sharing of data, researchers still perceive barriers when it comes to doing so in practice [ 99 – 101 ]. Many universities and research institutions have established research data repositories that provide continuous access to datasets in a trusted environment. Many of these data repositories are tied to specific research areas, geographic regions, or scientific institutions. Due to the growing number and overall heterogeneity of these repositories, it can be difficult for researchers, funding agencies, publishers, and academic institutions to identify appropriate repositories for storing and searching research data.

Recently, several web-based tools have been developed to help in the selection of a suitable repository. One example is Re3data, a global registry of research data repositories that includes repositories from various scientific disciplines. The extensive database can be searched by country, content (e.g., raw data, source code), and scientific discipline [ 49 ]. A similar tool to help find a data archive specific to the field is FAIRsharing, based at Oxford University [ 102 ]. If there is no appropriate subject-specific data repository or one seems unsuitable for the data, there are general data repositories, such as Open Science Framework, figshare, Dryad, or Zenodo. To ensure that data stored in a repository can be found, a DOI is assigned to the data. Choosing the right license for the deposited code and data ensures that authors get credit for their work.

Publication and connection of all outcomes

If scientists have used all available open science tools during the research process, then publishing and linking all outcomes represents the well-deserved harvest ( Fig 2 ). At the end of a research process, researchers will not just have 1 publication in a journal. Instead, they might have a preregistration, a preprint, a publication in a journal, a dataset, and a protocol. Connecting these outcomes in a way that enables other scientists to better assess the results that link these publications will be key. There are many examples of good open science practices in laboratory animal science, but we want to highlight one of them to show how this could be achieved. Blenkuš and colleagues investigated how mild stress-induced hyperthermia can be assessed non-invasively by thermography in mice [ 103 ]. The study was preregistered with animalstudyregistry.org , which is referred to in their publication [ 104 ]. A deviation from the originally preregistered hypothesis was explained in the manuscript and the supplementary material was uploaded to figshare [ 105 ].

thumbnail

Application of open science practices can increase the reproducibility and visibility of a research project at the same time. By publishing different research outputs with more detailed information than can be included in a journal article, researchers enable peers to replicate their work. Reporting according to guidelines and using transparent visualization will further improve this reproducibility. The more research products that are generated, the more credit can be attributed. By communicating on social media or additionally publishing slides from delivered talks or posters, more attention can be raised. Additionally, publishing open access and making the work machine-findable makes it accessible to an even broader number of peers.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001810.g002

It might also be helpful to provide all resources from a project in a single repository such as Open Science Framework, which also implements other, different tools that might have been used, like GitHub or protocols.io.

Communicating your research

Once all outcomes of the project are shared, it is time to address the targeted peers. Social media is an important instrument to connect research communities [ 106 ]. In particular, Twitter is an effective way to communicate research findings or related events to peers [ 107 ]. In addition, specialized platforms like ResearchGate can support the exchange of practical experiences ( Table 1 ). When all resources related to a project are kept in one place, sharing this link is a straightforward way to reach out to fellow scientists.

With the increasing number of publications, science communication has become more important in recent years. Transparent science that communicates openly with the public contributes to strengthening society’s trust in research.

Conclusions

Plenty of open science tools are already available and the number of tools is constantly growing. Translational biomedical researchers should seize this opportunity, as it could contribute to a significant improvement in the transparency of research and fulfil their ethical responsibility to maximize the impact of knowledge gained from animal experiments. Over and above this, open science practices also bear important direct benefits for the scientists themselves. Indeed, the implementation of these tools can increase the visibility of research and becomes increasingly important when applying for grants or in recruitment decisions. Already, more and more journals and funders require activities such as data sharing. Several institutions have established open science practices as evaluation criteria alongside publication lists, impact factor, and h-index for panels deciding on hiring or tenure [ 108 ]. For new adopters, it is not necessary to apply all available practices at once. Implementing single tools can be a safe approach to slowly improve the outreach and reproducibility of one’s own research. The more open science products that are generated, the more reproducible the work becomes, but also the more the visibility of a study increases ( Fig 2 ).

As other research fields, such as social sciences, are already a step ahead in the implementation of open science practices, translational biomedicine can profit from their experiences [ 109 ]. We should thus keep in mind that open science comes with some risks that should be minimized early on. Indeed, the more open science practices become incentivized, the more researchers could be tempted to get a transparency quality label that might not be justified. When a study is based on a bad hypothesis or poor statistical planning, this cannot be fixed by preregistration, as prediction alone is not sufficient to validate an interpretation [ 110 ]. Furthermore, a boom of data sharing could disconnect data collectors and analysts, bearing the risk that researchers performing the analysis lack understanding of the data. The publication of datasets could also promote a “parasitic” use of a researcher’s data and lead to scooping of outcomes [ 111 ]. Stakeholders could counteract such a risk by promoting collaboration instead of competition.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an explosion of preprint publications. This unseen acceleration of science might be the adequate response to a pandemic; however, the speeding up science in combination with the “publish or perish” culture could come at the expense of the quality of the publication. Nevertheless, a meta-analysis comparing the quality of reporting between preprints and peer-reviewed articles showed that the quality of reporting in preprints in the life sciences is at most slightly lower on average compared to peer-reviewed articles [ 112 ]. Additionally, preprints and social media have shown during this pandemic that a premature and overconfident communication of research results can be overinterpreted by journalists and raise unfounded hopes or fears in patients and relatives [ 113 ]. By being honest and open about the scope and limitations of the study and choosing communication channels carefully, researchers can avoid misinterpretation. It should be noted, however, that by releasing all methodological details and data in research fields such as viral engineering, where a dual use cannot be excluded, open science could increase biosecurity risk. Implementing access-controlled repositories, application programming interfaces, and a biosecurity risk assessment in the planning phase (i.e., by preregistration) could mitigate this threat [ 114 ].

Publishing in open access journals often involves higher publication costs, which makes it more difficult for institutes and universities from low-income countries to publish there [ 115 ]. Equity has been identified as a key aim of open science [ 116 ]. It is vital, therefore, that existing structural inequities in the scientific system are not unintentionally reinforced by open science practices. Early career researchers have been the main drivers of the open science movement in other fields even though they are often in vulnerable positions due to short contracts and hierarchical and strongly networked research environments. Supporting these early career researchers in adopting open science tools could significantly advance this change in research culture [ 117 ]. However, early career researchers can already benefit by publishing registered reports or preprints that can provide a publication much faster than conventional journal publications. Communication in social media can help them establish a network enabling new collaborations or follow-up positions.

Even though open science comes with some risks, the benefits easily overweigh these caveats. If a change towards more transparency is accompanied by the implementation of open science in the teaching curricula of the universities, most of the risks can be minimized [ 118 ]. Interestingly, we have observed that open science tools and infrastructure that are specific to animal research seem to mostly come from Europe. This may be because of strict regulations within Europe for animal experiments or because of a strong research focus in laboratory animal science along with targeted research funding in this region. Whatever the reason might be, it demonstrates the important role of research policy in accelerating the development towards 3Rs and open science.

Overall, it seems inevitable that open science will eventually prevail in translational biomedical research. Scientists should not wait for the slow-moving incentive framework to change their research habits, but should take pioneering roles in adopting open science tools and working towards more collaboration, transparency, and reproducibility.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the valuable input and comments from Sebastian Dunst, Daniel Butzke, and Nils Körber that have improved the content of this work.

  • View Article
  • PubMed/NCBI
  • Google Scholar
  • 6. Cary Funk MH, Brian Kennedy, Courtney Johnson. Americans say open access to data and independent review inspire more trust in research findings. Pew Research Center Website: Pew Research Center; 2019. Available from: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2019/08/02/americans-say-open-access-to-data-and-independent-review-inspire-more-trust-in-research-findings/ .
  • 7. International Reproducibility Networks. International Networks Statement UK Reproducibility Network Website: UK Reproducibility Network. 2021. Available from: https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.bristol.ac.uk/dist/b/631/files/2021/09/International-Networks-Statement-v1.0.pdf .
  • 13. Article 36 of Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 amended by Regilation (EU) 2019/1010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019. OJEU. 2010;L276:36.
  • 19. American Association for Cancer Research. Editorial Policies. 2021. Available from: https://aacrjournals.org/content/authors/editorial-policies .
  • 21. Diederich K, Schmitt K, Schwedhelm P, Bert B, Heinl C. Open Science Toolbox for Animal Research. Zenodo. 2022. Available from: https://zenodo.org/record/6497560 .
  • 29. NC3R. ARRIVE guidelines. NC3R Website. Available from: https://arriveguidelines.org/ .
  • 31. Canadian Institutes of Health Research. How to integrate sex and gender into research. Website of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research: Canadian Institutes of Health Research. 2019 [cited 2019 Aug 21]. Available from: https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/50836.html .
  • 33. Simon T, Bate RAC. InVivoStat. Available from: https://invivostat.co.uk/ .
  • 35. Urbaniak G, Plous S. Research randomizer (version 4.0) [computer software]. 2013.
  • 47. Medical Research Council’s. Data sharing policy. UK Research and Innovation Website 2021. Available from: https://www.ukri.org/publications/mrc-data-sharing-policy/ .
  • 48. University of California Curation Center. DMPTool. 2021. Available from: https://dmptool.org/ .
  • 49. Digital Curation Centre. DMPOnline. Available from: https://dmponline.dcc.ac.uk/ . Digital Curation Centre; 2021.
  • 50. Harvard Longwood Medical Area Research Data Management Working Group. Biomedical Data Lifecycle. Harvard Medical School Website: Harvard Medical School; 2021. Available from: https://datamanagement.hms.harvard.edu/about/what-research-data-management/biomedical-data-lifecycle .
  • 51. Joint Information Systems Committee. Research data management toolkit JISC Website: JISC; 2018. Available from: https://www.jisc.ac.uk/guides/rdm-toolkit .
  • 54. German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R). NTPs—Nicht Technische Projektzusammenfassungen 3R-SMART; 2020. Available from: https://www.3r-smart.de/index.php?id=6895 .
  • 55. Understanding Animal Research. Guide to writing non-technical summaries concordat on openness on animal research in the UK2018. Available from: https://concordatopenness.org.uk/guide-to-writing-non-technical-summaries .
  • 56. Gerlach B, Untucht C, Stefan A. Electronic Lab Notebooks and Experimental Design Assistants. In: Bespalov A, Michel MC, Steckler T, editors. Good Research Practice in Non-Clinical Pharmacology and Biomedicine. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2020. p. 257–75.
  • 58. Adam BL, Birte L. ELN Guide: electronic laboratory notebooks in the context of research data management and good research practice–a guide for the life sciences. Cologne, Germany: ZB MED–Information Centre for Life Sciences; 2021.
  • 59. AgileBio. LabCollector Website https://labcollector.com/labcollector-lims/features/modules/animals-module/2022 . Available from: https://labcollector.com/labcollector-lims/features/modules/animals-module/ .
  • 61. Harvard Longwood Medical Area Research Data Management Working Group. Electronic Lab Notebook Comparison Matrix. Zenodo. 2021.
  • 70. Bio-protocol. Collaborating Journals bio-protocol website2021. Available from: https://bio-protocol.org/default.aspx?dw=Collaborating .
  • 76. Dinkel H. anishare: GitHub; [updated June 2018]. Available from: https://github.com/hdinkel/anishare .
  • 89. O’Connor AM. MERIDIAN: Menagerie of Reporting guidelines Involving Animals. Iowa State University; 2022. Available from: https://meridian.cvm.iastate.edu/ .
  • 90. The Jackson Laboratory. Mouse Nomenclature Home Page at the Mouse Genome Informatics website World Wide Web: The Jackson Laboratory,Bar Harbor, Maine. Available from: http://www.informatics.jax.org/mgihome/nomen/index.shtml .
  • 97. Directory of Open Access Journals. Find open access journals & articles. Available from: https://doaj.org/ . Directory of Open Access Journals, [DOAJ]; 2021.
  • 98. Gold Open Access research has greater societal impact as used more outside of academia [press release]. Springer Nature Website: Springer. Nature. 2020;30:2020.
  • 104. Franco NH. Can we use infrared thermography for assessing emotional states in mice?—A comparison between handling-induced stress by different techniques. Available from: animalstudyregistry.org . German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR); 2020. https://doi.org/10.17590/asr.0000224

ASU for You, learning resources for everyone

  • News/Events
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Design and the Arts
  • Engineering
  • Global Futures
  • Health Solutions
  • Nursing and Health Innovation
  • Public Service and Community Solutions
  • University College
  • Thunderbird School of Global Management
  • Polytechnic
  • Downtown Phoenix
  • Online and Extended
  • Lake Havasu
  • Research Park
  • Washington D.C.
  • Biology Bits
  • Bird Finder
  • Coloring Pages
  • Experiments and Activities
  • Games and Simulations
  • Quizzes in Other Languages
  • Virtual Reality (VR)
  • World of Biology
  • Meet Our Biologists
  • Listen and Watch
  • PLOSable Biology
  • All About Autism
  • Xs and Ys: How Our Sex Is Decided
  • When Blood Types Shouldn’t Mix: Rh and Pregnancy
  • What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
  • Understanding Intersex
  • The Mysterious Case of the Missing Periods
  • Summarizing Sex Traits
  • Shedding Light on Endometriosis
  • Periods: What Should You Expect?
  • Menstruation Matters
  • Investigating In Vitro Fertilization
  • Introducing the IUD
  • How Fast Do Embryos Grow?
  • Helpful Sex Hormones
  • Getting to Know the Germ Layers
  • Gender versus Biological Sex: What’s the Difference?
  • Gender Identities and Expression
  • Focusing on Female Infertility
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Pregnancy
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: An Unexpected Path
  • Creating Chimeras
  • Confronting Human Chimerism
  • Cells, Frozen in Time
  • EvMed Edits
  • Stories in Other Languages
  • Virtual Reality
  • Zoom Gallery
  • Ugly Bug Galleries
  • Ask a Question
  • Top Questions
  • Question Guidelines
  • Permissions
  • Information Collected
  • Author and Artist Notes
  • Share Ask A Biologist
  • Articles & News
  • Our Volunteers
  • Teacher Toolbox

Question icon

show/hide words to know

Computer model: a computer program designed to predict what might happen based off of collected data.

Ethical: relating to a person's moral principles.

Morals: a person's beliefs concerning what is right and wrong.

Zoologist: a person who studies animals.

Corn snake

Scientists learn a lot about snakes and other animals through basic research. Image by the Virginia State Park staff.

“Don’t worry, they aren’t dangerous” you hear the zoologist say as she leads you and a group of others toward an area with a number of different snakes. She removes a long snake from a larger glass enclosure and asks who would like to hold it. You take a step back, certain that holding a snake is the last thing you’d like to do.

"But how do you know they aren’t dangerous?” you ask. The zoologist looks up and smiles. She explains that scientists have studied this type of snake, and so we actually know quite a bit about it. This type of snake rarely bites and does not produce venom, so it isn’t dangerous to people. You nod along as she talks about the snakes, their natural habitats, and other details like what they eat.

Animals in the Research Process

How do we know so much about snakes or other animals? Animals are all unique, and scientists study them to learn more about them. For example, by studying snakes we have learned that they stick their tongues out because they are trying to pick up odors around them. This helps them sense food, predators, and other things that may be nearby. When research is performed to expand our understanding of something, like an animal, we call it basic research .

Scientists study animals for other reasons too. What we learn about animals can actually help us find solutions to other problems or to help people. For example, studying snakes helps us understand which ones are venomous so that humans know what kinds of snakes they shouldn't touch. Scientists also study animals to find new treatments to diseases and other ailments that affect both people and animals. If we learn what is in snake venom, we can create a medicine to give to people that have been bitten as a treatment to help them feel better. Using what we know about an animal or thing to help us solve problems or treat disease is called  applied research .

Brain model

Scientists use many other tools, such as computer models, in addition to animals to study different topics. Image by Andreas Horn.

No matter what type of research is being performed, scientists must consider many things when they study animals.  

Do Scientists Need to Study Animals?

Of course we can learn a lot from using animals for research, but are there alternative options? Sometimes there are. For example, scientists could use some other method, like cells or computer models, to study a particular topic instead of using animals. However, for a number of reasons , scientists have found that using animals is sometimes the best way to study certain topics.

What If Scientists Harm Animals for Research?

Some research using animals only requires scientists to watch behavior or to take a few samples (like blood or saliva) from the animal. These activities may cause the animals some stress, but they are unlikely to harm the animals in any long-term way. Studies of the behavior or physiology of an animal in its natural environment is an example of such research.

In other cases, scientists may need to harm or kill an animal in order to answer a research question. For example, a study could involve removing a brain to study it more closely or giving an animal a treatment without knowing what effects it may have. While the intention is never to purposely harm animals, harm can be necessary to answer a research question.

How Do Scientists Decide When It’s OK to Study Animals?

Rabbits in research

Many animals are used in research. But there is still debate on whether they should be used for this purpose. Image by the United States Department of Agriculture.

There are  many guidelines  for when it’s ok to use animals in research. Scientists must write a detailed plan of why and how they plan to use animals for a research project. This information is then reviewed by other scientists and members of the public to make sure that the research animals will be used for has an important purpose. Whatever the animals are used for, the scientists also make sure to take care of animal research subjects as best as they can.

Even with rules in place about using animals for research, many people (both scientists and non-scientists) continue to debate whether animals should be used in research. This is an ethical question, or one that depends on a person's morals. Because the way each person feels about both research and animals may be different, there is a range of views on this matter.

  • Some people argue that it doesn’t matter that there are rules in place to protect animals. Animals should never be used for research at all, for any reason. 
  • Others say we should be able to use animals for any kind of research because moving science forward is more important than the rights or well-being of animals. 
  • Lastly, there are people whose opinions sit somewhere in the middle. They might argue that it’s ok to use animals for research, but only in some cases. For example, if the results of the research are very likely to help treat something that affects people, then it may be okay to use animals.

Along with this debate, there are many advantages and disadvantages of doing animal research . Scientists must weigh these options when performing their research.

Additional Images via Wikimedia Commons. White rat image by Alexandroff Pogrebnoj.

Read more about: Using Animals in Research

View citation, bibliographic details:.

  • Article: Using Animals in Research
  • Author(s): Patrick McGurrin and Christian Ross
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: December 4, 2016
  • Date accessed: September 9, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/Animal-use-in-Research

Patrick McGurrin and Christian Ross. (2016, December 04). Using Animals in Research. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved September 9, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/Animal-use-in-Research

Chicago Manual of Style

Patrick McGurrin and Christian Ross. "Using Animals in Research". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 04 December, 2016. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/Animal-use-in-Research

MLA 2017 Style

Patrick McGurrin and Christian Ross. "Using Animals in Research". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 04 Dec 2016. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 9 Sep 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/Animal-use-in-Research

White lab mouse

Animals are an important part of research. But many argue about whether it's ethical to use animals to help advance scientific progress.

Using Animals in Research

Be part of ask a biologist.

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Share to Google Classroom

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • View all journals
  • Explore content
  • About the journal
  • Publish with us
  • Sign up for alerts

Research articles

research animals ideas

Production of a heterozygous exon skipping model of common marmosets using gene-editing technology

This study shows that using gene-editing technology in oocytes using Platinum TALEN is an effective method for producing genetically modified marmosets by exon skipping.

  • Hiroki Sasaguri
  • Erika Sasaki

research animals ideas

Effects of volume management on free flap perfusion and metabolism in a large animal model study

Free flap is widely used in head and neck reconstructive surgery, but fluid management of surgical patients remains controversial. Here, Thiem et al. used a pig model to monitor the effects of volume management on free flap perfusion and metabolism.

  • Daniel G. E. Thiem
  • Daniel Stephan
  • Peer W. Kämmerer

research animals ideas

Refined tamoxifen administration in mice by encouraging voluntary consumption of palatable formulations

Pairing palatable formulations with micropipette dosing for administration of water-insoluble drugs such as tamoxifen in mice promotes voluntary consumption without loss of efficacy compared to more invasive administration methods.

  • Dominique Vanhecke
  • Viola Bugada
  • Thorsten Buch

research animals ideas

In vivo monitoring of active subretinal fibrosis in mice using collagen hybridizing peptides

This study reports the use of fluorescently labeled collagen hybridizing peptides to directly image collagen remodeling and monitor fibrosis in two mouse models of ocular neovascularization.

  • Markus Linder
  • Lucas Bennink
  • Peter D. Westenskow

research animals ideas

Naturally sterile Mus spretus hybrids are suitable for the generation of pseudopregnant embryo transfer recipients

Preece et al. show that B6SPRTF1 hybrid males between C57BL/6J and Mus spretus are suitable for the generation of pseudopregnant female mice for embryo transfer. By providing an alternative to vasectomized males, the method shows clear 3R benefits.

  • Chris Preece
  • Daniel Biggs
  • Benjamin Davies

research animals ideas

Temperature-dependent differences in mouse gut motility are mediated by stress

The study reveals that raising mice at 22 °C boosts gut transit speed by two times compared to 30 °C, primarily due to stress signals from the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and an increase of corticotropin-releasing hormone.

  • Courtney Hudson-Paz
  • Denise M. Monack

research animals ideas

Paper towel shredding as a novel, affordable, noninvasive method for detecting arousals in hibernating rodents

Researchers have developed a cost-effective, noninvasive method for determining torpor-bout duration in heterothermic mammals. They used the paper towel shredding behavior of ground squirrels to detect 59 arousals with 100% accuracy over 52 days. This method avoids the drawbacks of other cheap monitoring systems such as the sawdust technique.

  • Amalie J. Hutchinson
  • Brynne M. Duffy
  • James F. Staples

research animals ideas

Rat microbial biogeography and age-dependent lactic acid bacteria in healthy lungs

The authors defined rat microbial biogeography by re-analyzing publicly available RNA sequencing data from 11 organs of juvenile, adolescent, adult and aged Fisher 344 rats.

  • Christine M. Cunningham
  • Mark R. Nicolls

research animals ideas

Open-source versatile 3D-print animal conditioning platform design for in vivo preclinical brain imaging in awake mice and anesthetized mice and rats

The study introduces an open-source, customizable 3D printable design for rodent conditioning for magnetic resonance imaging and other imaging modalities. The design is easy to use and can be applied to both anesthetized and awake mice, and anesthetized rats.

  • Zakia Ben Youss
  • Tanzil Mahmud Arefin
  • Omid Yaghmazadeh

research animals ideas

Using mice from different breeding sites fails to improve replicability of results from single-laboratory studies

Poor replicability in animal research can be a result of low external validity driven by rigorous standardization of study populations. This study investigates how heterogenization of study populations by using mice from different breeding sites might affect the replicability of animal studies conducted in a single facility. The findings suggest that heterogenization by breeding site has limited capacity to improve replicability in animal research.

  • Ivana Jaric
  • Bernhard Voelkl
  • Hanno Würbel

research animals ideas

A systematic review of the impact of environmental enrichment in zebrafish

Environmental enrichment is a home-based intervention that mimics natural habitats for laboratory-housed animals. This systematic review of 27 environmental enrichment protocols finds consistent benefits for zebrafish welfare while raising the importance of a standardizing protocol to improve reproducibility of results.

  • Matheus Gallas-Lopes
  • Radharani Benvenutti
  • Matheus Marcon

research animals ideas

Generation of a C57BL/6J mouse strain expressing the CD45.1 epitope to improve hematopoietic stem cell engraftment and adoptive cell transfer experiments

The authors used a gene-editing approach to generate a C57BL/6J mouse model expressing the CD45.1 epitope. The model, which overcomes some of the issues reported with the congenic mouse B6.SJL, could be useful for adoptive cell transfer experiments.

  • Daphné Laubreton
  • Sophia Djebali
  • Jacqueline Marvel

research animals ideas

The PREMISE database of 20 Macaca fascicularis PET/MRI brain images available for research

The authors present a simultaneous PET/MR dataset of 20 Macaca fascicularis images structured according to the Brain Imaging Data Structure standards. The PREMISE database is stored and available through the PRIME-DE consortium repository.

  • Lucie Chalet
  • Justine Debatisse
  • Guillaume Becker

research animals ideas

Aotus nancymaae model predicts human immune response to the placental malaria vaccine candidate VAR2CSA

The authors show that VAR2CSA-based placental malaria vaccine candidates induce similar responses in Aotus nancymaae monkeys as those reported in humans; these findings suggest that the Aotus model is suitable for preclinical downselection of placental malaria vaccine candidates.

  • Justin Doritchamou
  • Morten A. Nielsen
  • Patrick E. Duffy

research animals ideas

Plasma metabolomics supports non-fasted sampling for metabolic profiling across a spectrum of glucose tolerance in the Nile rat model for type 2 diabetes

The authors used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to compare the metabolic profile of non-fasted and fasted plasma samples in the Nile rat model of type 2 diabetes. Metabolite measurements in non-fasted samples were more reproducible than in fasted samples, supporting the use of non-fasted plasma metabolomics to study glucose tolerance in Nile rats during diabetes progression.

  • Benton J. Anderson
  • Anne M. Curtis

research animals ideas

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 years of unpredictable chronic stress in zebrafish

Unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) increases anxiety/fear-related behavior and cortisol levels while decreasing locomotor performance, according to a systematic analysis of 38 studies on UCS in zebrafish. To further assess the effects of UCS on zebrafish behavior, future well-designed trials are required.

  • Leonardo M. Bastos
  • Ana P. Herrmann

research animals ideas

Development of two mouse strains conditionally expressing bright luciferases with distinct emission spectra as new tools for in vivo imaging

Two Cre-dependent reporter mice, oFluc and Akaluc, were created and tested for bioluminescence in neural tissues and organs. Both strains were brighter than the classical luciferase Luc2, potentially facilitating in vivo bioluminescence imaging of various tissues.

  • Toshiaki Nakashiba
  • Katsunori Ogoh

research animals ideas

Group size planning for breedings of gene-modified mice and other organisms following Mendelian inheritance

The authors developed an R package that enables the estimation of group size required for mouse breeding, taking into account Mendelian genetics, fertility and litter size.

  • Vladislava Milchevskaya
  • Philippe Bugnon

research animals ideas

Generation of the NeoThy mouse model for human immune system studies

This protocol describes a humanized mouse model created using neonatal thymus and umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells as nonfetal human tissue sources.

  • Natalia M. Del Rio
  • Liupei Huang
  • Matthew E. Brown

research animals ideas

Rapid ammonia build-up in small individually ventilated mouse cages cannot be overcome by adjusting the amount of bedding

The authors investigated the influence of housing density and bedding volume on ammonia build-up in two individually ventilated mouse cages models. While the amount of bedding had no influence on ammonia levels, smaller Type II individually ventilated cages accumulated higher ammonia levels than larger Type III individually ventilated cages, even at similar housing densities.

  • Mahmud A. Eskandarani
  • Otto Kalliokoski

Quick links

  • Explore articles by subject
  • Guide to authors
  • Editorial policies

research animals ideas

research animals ideas

Knowledge Gaps: Animal-Focused Research Ideas For Grad Students

The world of scholarship on animals, animal advocacy, and the myriad issues surrounding both, is ever-growing. Faunalytics’ Research Library has thousands of summaries of such scholarship available. However, even though we add 200+ studies to the Library each year, it’s just the tip of a much bigger iceberg. We curate our collection to focus on studies with the most potential usefulness for advocates, while hundreds of other studies are published each year.

It wasn’t always like this. For many years, the animal advocacy movement had a lot of grounding in theory and philosophy, but was not focused on empirical research. Tactics and strategies were employed with little idea of their effects — or effectiveness. Campaigns would come and go without proper impact evaluation. The energy and heart that characterized the early animal advocacy movement often did not translate into the systematic measurement of results.

Today, we have more scholarship on animal-related issues than ever — our Library is a testament to that. However, the field of animal- and advocacy-related research is still growing. Students entering into graduate programs often want to contribute, but don’t always know how, and we often get questions from nascent researchers who want to make their mark and make a positive impact.

Below, we offer some ideas to give your animal-related research a kickstart.

1. Solutions Within Reach: Norms Around Use Of Animals In Science

There are strong modern alternatives to the use of animals in medical and behavioral research — and this is even more true when it comes to needless dissections in high school science — yet norms of using them persist (e.g., see this ). All the evidence exists, but what will it take to change these norms?

2. Remembering The Big Picture: The Sociology And Economics Of Change

It’s easier to think small: about individual behavior instead of group behavior, one issue instead of many interconnected issues, or one region versus many. But as animal advocates and as researchers, we need to look to the future, and the future is big-picture. 

Some questions along this line include: How does progress on an animal issue in one country or region affect advocacy on that same issue in another region? What are the harmful societal or environmental consequences of investing in animal agriculture in developing nations? What are the economic benefits politicians could expect to see from greater investment in plant-based agriculture and manufacturing? How does progress on an issue like animals used in science (see above!) impact efforts for other animal issues? 

These questions can feel intimidating to a grad student, but finding a supervisor or grad student collaborator from another discipline/department may help you bridge some of the difficulty and make a big impact with your research.

3. Cultures Of Change: How Regional Histories And Experiences Differentially Shape Behavioral And Societal Change

Change for animals is happening around the world, and no two regions are quite the same. Yet a lot of research to date has focused on the Western world, especially the U.S. and United Kingdom. As a grad student early in your research career, you may have the option of making choices about your region of study that can affect your research program over the long term. 

If you’re from the West yourself, it’s crucial not to practice parachute science — imposing Eurocentric biases on regions with their own laws, systems, history, religion, and culture — or to frame all your work in terms of comparison to Western norms. But as a grad student, you can start from the ground up learning the psychology, sociology, or economics of a region from their own viewpoint by focusing on that literature and collaborating with scholars from the region if you yourself aren’t. 

Initial questions to tackle might be foundational, like public attitudes toward animal use or how the government funds and promotes animal agriculture. Subsequent questions will depend on the region and will emerge over time as you become familiar with the foundations.

4. Beyond The Basics: Extending What We Know About Plant-Based And Cultivated Meat

There’s already lots of research about interest in cultivated meat , barriers to plant-based alternative consumption , and different messaging approaches around these issues, so we’d love to see more work on questions that go beyond those basics and into more of the downstream effects of increased consumption: which plant-based offerings are being used as substitutes versus complements for animal products and why? How can plant-based and cultivated foods be framed as beneficial in a political context to increase high-level support? 

Furthermore, there are other aspects that remain underexplored. Are there any “danger zones” to avoid with the development of these products, such as misinformation campaigns like with soy and GMO foods, or whether making “exotic” or even endangered cultivated meats available would reduce or increase the demand for illegal trade?

5. Beliefs Versus facts: Asking Animals What They Prefer

Humans have a lot of beliefs about what other animals think, feel, and want — and are often wildly off-base. Advocates try to correct those misconceptions with facts like “chickens are caring, emotional creatures” and “pigs are as smart as dogs,” but it can be an uphill battle. 

Thanks to the research team at Farm Sanctuary, researchers now have a new opportunity to demonstrate these truths in an ethical and impactful way. In partnership with Farm Sanctuary researchers, you may be able to work with their animal residents to answer questions like: Do chickens actively choose conditions that aren’t used in industrial agriculture over ones that are? How do cows’ social networks form and change? Will sheep choose enrichment activities to get food over simply receiving it without any work involved? Contrasting these behaviors against humans’ beliefs about these animals could be a powerful way of demonstrating how flawed perceptions of industrial animal agriculture really are.

6. Humane Education Research

Research suggests that kids are set up to be more empathic toward animals, but that they’re trained out of it as they get older. Anecdotally, we have reason to believe that humane education can meaningfully shape kids’ attitudes toward animals — possibly in a way that could have a bigger impact on society if we could understand it well enough to hone in on the best methods. Current literature is limited by a lack of control groups, and by a range of difficulties in studying kids. It is especially challenging to study kids over a long time period.

Academics are well-positioned to do longer-term research, especially in a developmental psych lab. Perhaps one of them could be you!

7. True Cost Analysis

What are the true costs of various animal products when we take externalities like cheap, exploited labor into account? Is it possible to create a calculation that includes the days/years of suffering by human laborers (similarly to how we do with animals )? Furthermore, what is the potential benefit of using these types of cost analyses in persuasive campaigns that highlight the overlap between animal and social justice issues?

8. Systematic Legal Review Of Humanewashing & Greenwashing

Advocates have long known that the animal agriculture industry engages in humanewashing and greenwashing to help make its products and practices seem more animal- and environmentally-friendly than they really are. What are the most common methods they use to do so, and are there ways advocates and laypeople could respond to such techniques using a legal framework?

Since these specific techniques may be regulated by federal or regional laws, there are many opportunities for scholars to study these mechanics in their own regions, review certifications and claims across a wide range of products, and compare against what we know about welfare standards for those animals.

9. Low-Hanging Fruit: Identifying Winnable Issues And Helping Them Hit The Tipping Point

The struggle for animal liberation often gets framed in terms of creating a “vegan world” — and while that may be a noble goal, it may be many lifetimes away. In the meantime, there are a range of more “winnable” issues that scholars can study and help push beyond a tipping point. Greyhound racing is one such issue, but others abound: the use of animals in circuses is an older issue that has faced lots of challenges and seems increasingly on its way out, and the factory farming of octopuses is a brand new issue that could be advocated against strongly now so that it doesn’t have the chance to grow or spread. 

These are just some of the potential areas where you could make a big difference with a graduate research project. There are many, many other options , limited only by your imagination and willingness to dig into your area of interest. If you’re stuck for ideas, do some reading about your topic outside your discipline. A social psychologist reading a political science paper might learn all kinds of things that inspire new ideas but are 101 level for the political scientist, and the same is true in reverse. If we want to help animals, we need to get away from disciplinary snobbery and siloing.

And remember: you are not alone. You are part of a growing community of scholars, animal advocates, and NGO members who are serious about the next era of the animal protection movement: an era of creative, data-driven advocacy and impact-oriented work. You can stop by Faunalytics’ Office Hours if you have research questions or need help finding data, and our list of external resources and datasets can help kickstart your search for projects.

research animals ideas

Related Posts

research animals ideas

Aug 17 2023  |  Katy Myers

Gaps In Zookeepers’ Animal Welfare Education

research animals ideas

May 16 2023  |  Narges Kalantari

Sharing Our Animal Welfare Program Knowledge

research animals ideas

Jun 1 2021  |  Mona Zahir

Conscientious Objection To Animal Research Among Veterinary & Human Medicine Students

research animals ideas

May 14 2021  |  Adina Nadler

Farmed Fish Welfare: Filling In The Gaps

research animals ideas

May 27 2020  |  Mia Rishel

Effective Animal Campaigning: Current Knowledge And Guiding Principles

research animals ideas

Jun 26 2019  |  Linda Tyler

Animal Tracker 2019: Knowledge Of Animal Issues

research animals ideas

Jul 26 2017  |  karol orzechowski

Opportunities For Research Animal Advocacy

research animals ideas

Oct 5 2016  |  Che Green

Animal Tracker 2016: Knowledge Of Animal Issues

research animals ideas

Jul 19 2012  |  Faunalytics

Students Want Option To Cut Out Animal Dissection

research animals ideas

Mar 6 2012  |  Faunalytics

Australian Students’ And Teachers’ Knowledge Of Primary Industries

research animals ideas

Mar 1 2010  |  Faunalytics

There Are Big Gaps In Our Knowledge, And Thus Approach, To Zoo Animal Welfare

research animals ideas

Oct 30 2008  |  Faunalytics

Veterinary Students And Educators On Animal Use In Research

research animals ideas

Donate to Faunalytics today

Support Our Work

Your donation saves animals and empowers advocates

Informed Action. Greater Reaction.

Post Office Box 152703, San Diego, CA 92195 EIN 01-0686889

Contact Faunalytics

© 2023 Faunalytics | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Effective Advocacy Animals Used For Food Companion Animals Animals Used in Science Wild Animals Other Topics

What We Do Board & Staff Research In Progress Press Volunteer With Us Shop

research animals ideas

Don’t Miss a Thing

Faunalytics delivers the latest and most important information directly to your inbox. Choose what topics you want to see and how often you get our emails, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

196 Animal Essay Topics & Animals Abuse Ideas

Author Avatar

  • Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
  • Icon Page 1555 words
  • Icon Clock 8 min read

Animal essay topics offer an incredibly diverse range of subjects for exploration and discussion. The complex world of animal behavior and cognition, for example, presents intriguing questions about the minds and emotional lives of different species. The critical issue of conservation, driven by deforestation, climate change, and poaching, invites scrutiny and advocacy. Likewise, topics centered around human-animal bonds and the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship can shed light on the emotional and psychological benefits of these relationships. Delving into these animal essay topics not only provides a good platform to express love and appreciation for the animal kingdom but also promotes crucial discussions about biodiversity, animal rights, and wildlife protection. From curious animal lovers to budding biologists, these topics offer a chance to engage with the wonders, challenges, and remarkable diversity of the animal world.

Best Animal Topics

  • Conservation of Endangered Species: A Global Perspective
  • Influence of Climate Change on Migration Patterns
  • Coral Reef Ecosystems: Importance and Threats
  • Ethical Considerations in Animal Testing
  • Invasive Species and Their Effect on Biodiversity
  • Disease Transmission Between Animals and Humans: Zoonotic Diseases
  • Understanding Animal Communication and Language
  • Adaptation Strategies of Desert Dwelling Creatures
  • Marine Pollution: Effects on Aquatic Life
  • Tracking Animal Population Dynamics Through Citizen Science
  • Wildlife Trafficking and International Law
  • Bee Colony Collapse Disorder: Causes and Consequences
  • Genetic Diversity and Conservation of Rare Breeds
  • Endocrinology of Stress in Captive Animals
  • Effects of Deforestation on Primate Habitats
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy: Benefits and Challenges
  • Domestication and Its Genetic Implications in Animals
  • Coping Mechanisms of Animals in Extreme Environments
  • Birds of Prey and Their Ecological Significance
  • Aquaculture Sustainability: Balancing Demand and Conservation

Animal Essay Topics & Animals Abuse Ideas

Simple Animal Topics

  • Understanding the Social Structure of Ant Colonies
  • Feeding Habits of Herbivorous Animals
  • Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly
  • Unique Defense Mechanisms in the Animal Kingdom
  • Animal Habitats: From Deserts to Rainforests
  • Migration Patterns of Arctic Birds
  • Reptile Varieties and Their Characteristics
  • Study of Amphibians: Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders
  • Exotic Pets: Care and Ethical Considerations
  • Exploring Nocturnal Animals and Their Adaptations
  • Marine Life: A Glimpse Into the Deep Sea
  • Mammalian Reproduction and Life Cycles
  • Different Breeds of Domestic Dogs
  • Hibernation and Estivation in Animals
  • Bird Watching: Identifying Common Species
  • Discovering Endangered Species on Our Planet
  • Diet and Nutrition of Domestic Cats
  • Understanding Animal Tracks and Signs
  • Life in the Savanna: African Wildlife

Interesting Animal Essay Topics

  • Exploring Speciation in Galapagos Finches
  • Animal Sentience and Cognitive Capabilities
  • Mimicry as a Survival Strategy in Nature
  • Interpreting the Language of Dolphins
  • Decoding the Dance of Honeybees
  • Anthropomorphism: Human Perception of Animals
  • Climate Change Effects on Polar Bear Populations
  • Marsupial Diversity: Beyond Kangaroos and Koalas
  • Biofluorescence and Bioluminescence in Deep-Sea Creatures
  • Cryptic Species: Unraveling Hidden Biodiversity
  • Wildlife Conservation Policies: Case Studies
  • Symbiosis in Coral Reef Ecosystems
  • Understanding Avian Navigational Abilities
  • Extinct Megafauna and Their Ecological Roles
  • Cephalopods: Masters of Camouflage and Deception
  • Unveiling Mysteries of Animal Migration
  • Animal Societies: Ant Colonies to Elephant Families
  • Bizarre Mating Rituals in the Animal Kingdom
  • The Biological Rationale Behind Animal Play Behavior
  • Genetic Basis of Animal Domestication

Animal Research Topics for High School

  • Exploring Birdsong: Music or Communication?
  • Bats and Echolocation: A Deep Dive
  • Insects as Indicators of Environmental Change
  • Chimpanzee Social Structures and Behaviors
  • Penguin Adaptations for Harsh Climates
  • Exploring Threats to Sea Turtles Populations
  • The Fascinating World of Spider Webs
  • Investigating Adaptations in Desert Animals
  • Venomous vs. Poisonous: Animals’ Defense Mechanisms
  • Elephants: Intelligence and Emotional Capacity
  • Dietary Habits of Carnivores, Herbivores, and Omnivores
  • Snake Behavior: More than Just Slithering
  • Study on Monarch Butterfly Migration Patterns
  • Endangered Species and Conservation Efforts
  • Bees and the Importance of Pollination
  • Animal Camouflage: Examples and Effectiveness
  • Dolphin Intelligence: Evidence and Examples
  • Physiology of Flight in Birds
  • Gorillas: Social Behavior and Habitat Loss
  • Reptile Biodiversity in Rainforest Ecosystems

Animal Research Topics for College Students

  • Marine Biology: The Complex Ecosystem of Coral Reefs
  • Microorganisms in the Rumen of Cows: How They Aid Digestion?
  • Animal Assisted Therapy: Benefits and Challenges
  • Physiological Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears
  • Ethology: Aggression in Animal Species
  • Cephalopods and Camouflage: An Exploration
  • Study of Animal Cognition: Intelligence in Non-Primates
  • Threats Facing the African Lion: Conservation Strategies
  • Environmental Stressors and Their Effects on Amphibians
  • Biotic Factors Influencing the Habitats of Whales
  • Parasitology: Host-Parasite Relationships in Animals
  • Investigation into the Social Behavior of Wolves
  • Comparative Analysis of Primate Communication Systems
  • Cross-Species Disease Transmission: From Animals to Humans
  • Aquatic Toxicology: How Pollution Affects Aquatic Life
  • Animal Welfare in Agriculture: Ethics and Practices
  • Population Dynamics of the Snow Leopard in the Himalayas
  • Exploration of Bioluminescence in Deep-Sea Creatures
  • Hibernation Mechanisms in Mammals: A Comparative Study

Animal Essay Topics to Research

  • Migration Patterns: Mystery of Monarch Butterflies
  • Biodiversity Loss: Consequences for Global Ecosystems
  • Chimpanzee Cultures: Differences Across Africa
  • Eco-Physiology of Desert Creatures: Surviving Extreme Conditions
  • Animal Ethics: Questioning the Use of Animals in Research
  • Unraveling the Secrets of Dolphin Communication
  • Birdsong and Neurobiology: Insights into Human Speech
  • Peculiar Reproductive Strategies in the Animal Kingdom
  • Killer Bees: An Invasive Species Spreading Fear
  • Insects as Pollinators: Their Importance in Agriculture
  • The Vitality of Sharks in Oceanic Food Chains
  • Life Strategies of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Fauna
  • Venomous Creatures and Biomedical Research Opportunities
  • Biomimicry: Nature’s Inspirations for Technological Advancements
  • Hybridization in the Wild: Case of the Coywolf
  • Decoding the Waggle Dance of Honeybees
  • The Secret Lives of Bats: Echolocation and Beyond
  • Resilience in Nature: How Animals Recover From Disaster
  • Bioacoustics in Animal Communication: From Insects to Whales
  • Predator-Prey Dynamics in African Savannah Ecosystems

Animal Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Zoo Ethics: Animal Rights Versus Education Benefits
  • Veganism versus Meat Consumption: Gauging the Ecological Footprint
  • Is Pet Ownership Compatible With Animal Rights?
  • Whale Hunting: Cultural Practice or Inhumane Act?
  • Genetic Engineering: Crossing Ethical Boundaries With Designer Pets?
  • Animal Sentience: Do We Underestimate Non-Human Intelligence?
  • Animal Experimentation: Is There a Justifiable Trade-Off?
  • Hunting for Conservation: Paradox or Viable Strategy?
  • Aquariums as Conservation Tools: Are They Effective?
  • Wild Animals as Pets: Exploring the Controversy
  • Endangered Species Act: Time for an Overhaul?
  • Factory Farming: Is the Price of Cheap Meat Too High?
  • Feral Cats: Euthanasia Versus Trap-Neuter-Return Programs
  • Rewilding Efforts: Romantic Ideal or Feasible Conservation Strategy?
  • Animal Performance: Should Circuses Stop Using Animals?
  • Emotional Support Animals: Right or Privilege?
  • Dissecting Animals in Education: Essential Learning or Outdated Practice?
  • Animal Cloning: Promising Technology or Ethical Misstep?
  • Invasive Species Control: Is Eradication Ethically Defensible?
  • Wildlife Tourism: Conservation Tool or Harmful Industry?

Animal Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Promoting the Adoption of Shelter Animals Over Breeding
  • Animal Rights: Is It Time to Rethink Meat Consumption?
  • Fur Industry: Time to Take a Stand against Animal Cruelty
  • Exotic Pet Trade: Advocating for Tighter Legislation
  • Embracing Insect Eating as a Sustainable Food Source
  • Shark Finning: A Call for Global Ban
  • Zoos: Enforcing Higher Welfare Standards
  • Dairy Industry: Unmasking the Cruelty Behind Milk
  • Captivity versus Conservation: The Case Against Marine Parks
  • Illegal Wildlife Trade: Implementing Stricter Penalties
  • Hunting Trophies: Upholding the Ban on Imports
  • Rodeos and Animal Cruelty: Time to Say No?
  • Animal Dissection in Schools: Advocating for Virtual Alternatives
  • Greyhound Racing: A Sport or Animal Exploitation?
  • Vivisection: Encouraging the Use of Non-Animal Testing Methods
  • Dog Breeding: The Case Against Purebreds
  • Bullfighting: A Cultural Tradition or Barbaric Sport?
  • Horse Carriages in Cities: Romantic Charm or Animal Abuse?
  • Culling Wildlife: Arguing Against the “Overpopulation” Myth

Animal Abuse Essay Topics

  • Dissecting the Psychological Factors Behind Animal Cruelty
  • Preventing Animal Neglect: Insights and Interventions
  • Animal Hoarding: An Understudied Form of Animal Cruelty
  • Addressing Puppy Mills: A Look at Inhumane Breeding Conditions
  • Blood Sports: Unveiling the Truth Behind Dog Fighting Rings
  • Cockfighting: Its Hidden Costs and Damages to Animal Welfare
  • Exotic Animal Trade: Unseen Agonies of Captive Wildlife
  • Dolphin Slaughter in Drive Hunts: A Call for Action
  • Live Animal Markets: Uncovering the Injustices
  • Investigating the Dark Side of the Horse Racing Industry
  • Factory Farming: The Harsh Reality Behind Our Meals
  • Cruel Practices in the Wool Industry: Shedding Light on Shearing
  • Unregulated Breeding of Exotic Pets: Addressing the Hidden Cruelty
  • Fur Trapping: An Unnecessary Tradition in Modern Society
  • Unmasking the Cruelty in the Foie Gras Industry
  • Live Baiting Scandal in Greyhound Racing: A Call for Change
  • Misuse of Animals in Tourist Attractions: Riding Elephants to Harm
  • The Dark Side of Circuses: Life Behind the Big Top
  • Unveiling Animal Abuse in the Movie Industry: A Push for Change

Animal Debate Topics

  • Zoos and Animal Welfare: Ethical Perspectives
  • Should Animal Testing Be Abolished in Biomedical Research?
  • Biodiversity Conservation: The Imperative for Animal Rights
  • Interdisciplinary Approaches to Reducing Stray Populations
  • Exotic Pets Ownership: Freedom of Choice or Animal Exploitation?
  • Animal Intelligence: Reevaluating Cognitive Capacities of Non-Human Species
  • Symbiotic Relationship or Exploitation: Pets and Their Owners
  • Aquariums and Marine Parks: Conservation or Captivity?
  • Considering Veganism: Ethical Obligation or Personal Choice?
  • Lab-Grown Meat: A Viable Solution to Reduce Farm Animal Suffering?
  • Pesticides and Bee Colonies: Environmental Ethics and Responsibilities
  • Should Animals Have Legal Rights Comparable to Humans?
  • Birdsong and Language: Understanding Avian Communication
  • Hunting for Conservation: A Paradox or Viable Strategy?
  • Ecotourism: Opportunity for Wildlife Protection or Threat?
  • Horse Racing Industry: Sport or Animal Abuse?
  • Dolphin-Assisted Therapy: Healing or Harmful Practice?
  • Culling for Conservation: Justifiable or Short-Sighted?
  • Should Service Animals Be Used in Mental Health Therapy?
  • Anthropocentrism and Environmental Ethics: Rethinking Our Approach to Animals

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

Gospel Topics, Essays, & Ideas

161 Gospel Topics, Essays, & Ideas

  • Icon Calendar 22 July 2023
  • Icon Page 1580 words

Mental Health Essay Topics & Mental Illness Ideas

332 Mental Health Essay Topics & Mental Illness Ideas

  • Icon Calendar 20 July 2023
  • Icon Page 2723 words

Wet cat after bath looking annoyed

Do Cats Really Hate Water?

Not all cats are hydrophobic

Meghan Bartels

Illustration of a finger that looks like a worm, looking at a red apple

Scientists Make ‘Cyborg Worms’ with a Brain Guided by AI

AI and tiny worms team up to get to treats

Matthew Hutson

research animals ideas

$1 for Digital Access

Read all the stories you want.

Bottlenose dolphin in the ocean.

A Dolphin That Has Been Biting People May Just Be Friendly

Dolphin ecologist Tadamichi Morisaka discusses common dolphin behaviors that could explain instances of the animals biting people in Japan

Anna Ikarashi, Nature magazine

Brian May on stage palying guitar

Queen’s Brian May Is a Champion for Badgers and Science

Queen guitarist Brian May has spent a decade studying the science of bovine tuberculosis, which can be carried by badgers, and has identified a new method of spread

Elizabeth Gibney, Nature magazine

Close up of a white mouse against a black background

The End of the Lab Rat?

Replacing research animals with tools that better mimic human biology could improve medicine

Rachel Nuwer

Illustration of two tardigrades

Tardigrade Fossils Reveal When ‘Water Bears’ Became Indestructible

252 million years ago, tardigrades may have escaped extinction using this one weird trick

Mindy Weisberger

Close up photograph of a Joro spider hanging from its web in a suburban Georgian neighborhood

Invasive Joro Spiders Keep Their Cool Even when Stressed

Compared with other arachnids, invasive Joro spiders are calm, cool and collected under stress, a new study shows

Stephanie Pappas

Close up of a group of sharks swimming in the ocean.

Love the Ocean? Thank a Shark

Sharks provide multiple benefits for ocean ecosystems: their declining numbers threaten habitats for baby fish

Michael Heithaus, The Conversation US

A close-up view of a clam showing bright blue insides.

Giant, Sparkly Clams Hide the Most Efficient Solar Panels Ever Found

Inside giant, iridescent clams are algal farms that could inspire highly efficient bioreactors

Honeybees Wing-Slap Ants That Try to Invade Their Hive

Japanese honeybees use their wings to slap back ants trying to invade their hive

Gennaro Tomma

Komodo dragon on a rock with open mouth

Komodo Dragons’ Nightmare Iron-Tipped Teeth Are a Reptilian First

Reptile teeth have long been considered simple and cheap because the animals replace them regularly. That isn't so, Komodo dragons show

A little girl hugging her dog with their heads pressed together

When Dogs Smell Your Stress, They Act Sad

Dogs can smell when people are stressed, and it seems to make them feel downhearted

research animals ideas

Social Science Research Topics for Animal Welfare

Table of contents.

This is a list of social science research topics related to animal welfare, developed by researchers on the Open Phil farm animal welfare (FAW) team. 

Additional context:

  • In the interest of brevity, we have not provided much context for each topic. But if you are a graduate student or academic, we may be able to provide you with more detail on our motivation and our interpretation of the current literature. Please email Martin Gould with your questions, or any other feedback on this list.
  • The topics covered in this document are the ones we find most interesting; for other lists of research topics, see here . We do not attempt to cover animal welfare science in our list, and the topics are listed in no particular order (we don’t place a higher priority on those listed first).
  • In some areas, we are not fully up to date on the existing literature, so some of our questions may have been answered by research already conducted.
  • We think it is generally valuable to use back-of-the-envelope calculations to explore ideas and findings.
  • If you complete research on these topics, please feel free to share your work with us and the broader animal advocacy movement (one option is to post here ) . We’re happy to see published findings, working papers, and even detailed notes that you don’t intend to formally publish

Corporate commitments

  • How does this differ by the type of reform? (For example, cage-free vs. Better Chicken Commitment ?)
  • How does this differ by country or geographical region (For example, the EU vs. Brazil?) 
  • What are the production costs associated with specific animal welfare reforms? Here is an example of such an analysis for the European Chicken Commitment .

Policy reform

  • Which jurisdictions are most amenable to FAW policy reform over the next 5-10 years? Which specific reform(s) are most tractable, and why?
  • To what extent is animal welfare a politically polarizing issue (i.e., clearly associated with a particular political affiliation)? Is this a barrier to reform? If so, how might political polarization of animal welfare be reduced?
  • What conclusions should be drawn about the optimal timing of policy reform campaigns? 
  • What would be the cost-effectiveness of a global animal welfare benchmarking project? (That is, comparing FAW by country and by company, as a basis to drive competition. Similar models have been used in human rights and global development.)
  • Does this vary by geographical region (for example, Asia vs. Latin America)?

Alt protein

  • Is the displacement rate different across PBMA products? More specifically, does it differ between “next-generation” products like Beyond and Impossible vs. other PBMA products?
  • What other foods are PBMA products displacing? (For example, what fraction of PBMA units/meals are replacing tofu rather than chicken?)
  • What are the product qualities that are most important in driving this?
  • What share of the global meat market will PBMA and/or cultured meat products account for in 10, 30, or 50 years?
  • What is the impact on sales of labeling laws that restrict the terms that can be used to describe/advertise PBMAs and other plant-based products?
  • Are there clear ways in which non-PBMA plant-based products could be improved to increase uptake and displace meat consumption? 
  • What government alt protein R&D is most impactful and tractable to advocate for?
  • How can alt protein be supported most effectively by government policy (outside of government R&D)?

Dietary/mindset change

  • What are the rates of vegetarianism and veganism (collectively “veg*nism”) in populous countries (e.g., the US , China, India, EU countries)? How have these changed, if at all, over recent decades?
  • What percentage of people will be veg*n in 20, 50, or 100 years?
  • Which settings are most conducive to running rigorous experiments on dietary change interventions, and how can these settings be accessed/used? (For example, college cafeterias often allow researchers to use data on purchases, which means they don’t have to rely on self-reports.)
  • What about the cost-effectiveness of documentaries or other forms of mass media?
  • How impactful are meat advertising bans such as this one ?
  • Has the success of animal advocacy efforts on social media changed over time (based on standard social media metrics and possibly other metrics)? If so, why might this be the case?
  • How impactful would it be to get more animal welfare content into TV shows and/or movies? If this seems promising, what are the best ways to achieve it?
  • How impactful would it be to get already sympathetic celebrities to speak up more about animal welfare? If this seems promising, what are the best ways to achieve it?

Movement building

  • How strong is the relationship between country-level per capita income/wealth and FAW reform tractability?
  • How does an increase in the number of advocates in a given geography increase (or otherwise impact) the likelihood of finding cost-effective interventions there?

Other interventions

  • The UN estimates that 17% of food is wasted. Are there any cost-effective ways to help animals by reducing animal product food waste?
  • In the retail sector, how have the availability and sales of shrimp products changed over time? When retailers and food service companies drop shrimp products from their assortment, what are the most common reasons (e.g., environmental concerns)?
  • Are there datasets which don’t exist (and could be funded by philanthropy or others) that would increase the effectiveness of the animal welfare movement?
  • What are effective ways to influence the views of more thought leaders, policymakers, and other elites on animal welfare?
  • Where is the use of broiler cages increasing, and how prevalent are they in those areas? Are there any tractable interventions that could undermine those trends?
  • What are the most tractable and cost-effective interventions to improve wild animal welfare? 

Other questions

  • The Welfare Footprint Project has four ‘categories of pain intensity’ , and it estimates the time spent in each category of pain given different farming systems ( example ). How might these categories be weighted to arrive at an overall welfare score?
  • Funding for farm animal welfare advocacy organizations has increased in recent years (even excluding Open Philanthropy funding) – why?
  • To make this more tractable, consider one species of animal in a single geography.

Footnotes [+] Footnotes [−]

Footnotes
1 We plan to share a list of topics suited to primary empirical social science at a later date.
2 See in , under the heading ‘Important Considerations’ from page 11.

Privacy Overview

CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

research animals ideas

  • Rooted In Reading
  • Magic of Math

Free Resources

The best topic for animal research for kids.

research animals ideas

Conducting animal research with elementary students is one of the school year’s highlights. Typically, it occurs toward the end of the year making it the perfect wrap-up project. I’ve completed much animal research for kids over the years, but one of my favorites is an animal research project on Alligators versus Crocodiles!

Telling the difference between the two is always a fun conversation to have with kids because it can just be so tricky! You can use this animal research topic for an engaging animal study or a full science, reading, and writing unit.

For these research activities, I like to let the students lead the way all while incorporating other reading comprehension skills, including identifying facts versus opinions and true versus false. 

Now, I’d like to share a look into how this is structured in the classroom. I’ll be using our Rooted in Reading research unit to demonstrate and you’ll have access to a FREEBIE below.

Build Background Knowledge with Reptile Research

animal research for kids anchor chart

Using an anchor chart is literally to help anchor the lesson for the rest of the week. Before jumping into the research for alligators and crocodiles, start with a classroom discussion about reptiles and what students already know about alligators and crocodiles.

Find kid-friendly research links for students to browse and learn. You should begin by modeling for students how to use the research links to gather information about the animals they want to focus on.

At this point, you are showing students how to conduct research and begin to generate questions about what additional information they want to learn about the animals. You can jot down those questions on the anchor chart along with the details they already know.

You will continue to update the alligator versus crocodile research anchor chart throughout the lesson, circling back to add what students learned after they complete their animal research projects.

Now, it’s time to move on to gathering information.

Use Kid-Friendly Websites to Gather Facts

animal research for kids with alligators and crocodiles

The next phase of the student’s animal research is to collect information and facts. Before you begin the lessons, take some time to gather kid-friendly research links for students to use to gather the details they need for their projects.

Here are a few websites I recommend for researching alligators and crocodiles .

  • Nat Geo Kids
  • San Diego Zoo Webpage for Alligators
  • San Diego Zoo Webpage for Crocs

Students can choose whether to research alligators or crocodiles. They can use the corresponding recording sheets to collect their facts, such as:

  • Interesting Facts

Have students jot down notes and details as they read. Later, they will be compiling all of their research into a research booklet ! More on that later.

Incorporate Complementary Comprehension Skills

As students are conducting their animal research they will begin to come across various facts, thoughts, and opinions. This is an important point within the research study to help students understand the differences between fact and opinion and true and false. 

True vs. False

true versus false activity

When students are jotting down their notes, it’s important students understand that they should only be writing down true statements. In order to do this, a mini-lesson on true vs. false statements will help them be able to identify the differences.

One way we help students differentiate is by using a true vs. false statement matching activity. You can complete this as a stand-alone activity or during a whole group lesson.

What you will do is grab a collection of sentence cards with details about alligators or crocodiles and have students go through them. They will use a recording sheet to determine whether the sentence is true or false. 

Facts vs. Opinions

fact versus opinion activity

Similarly to the lesson on true vs. false, students will likely encounter some opinions as they are gathering information. So, differentiating facts from opinions is an important skill to review as students are researching. 

Separating facts and opinions can be tricky, so this comprehension skill may require a bit more practice.

First, you should begin by defining each. You can use digital posters to anchor the lesson and have them on display so students can have a reminder of the differences. As a class, help to model and discuss each.

Then, you will want to complete some complementary activities that focus on identifying facts and opinions.

One way to do this is by having students highlight facts and opinions in a passage on the animal research topic. Using a short passage on American alligators, students can highlight facts and opinions throughout using two highlighters in different colors for each category. They can do something similar for crocodiles.

An additional fact versus opinion activity is a Fact and Opinion sort. For this activity, students will be given sentences and a recording sheet with columns for facts and opinions. They will then sort each sentence into the correct columns. 

For additional practice, you can grab a FREE Fact vs. Opinion activity inside my post on May read-aloud suggestions !

Animal Research Booklet

animal research booklet

Taking all of the information they gathered during their research, making sure they are true and facts, students will craft a fun research booklet to showcase all of the details they’ve learned. 

Students can create alligator or crocodile-shaped research booklets and inside the pages, they will write out the things they learned about those animals. Each page will have a fact about these ferocious reptiles!

If you’re conducting animal research with your students soon, consider this alligator versus crocodile research topic!

{ All of the activities mentioned in this post are part of the research unit included in our 1st Grade Rooted in Reading May resource, a full month of reading comprehension lesson plans and activities. }

Don’t forget this animal research for kids idea, save the image below for later!

animal research activities for kids

Hi, I'm Amy

Hey, y’all! My name is Amy Lemons and I am passionate about providing students with both engaging and effective standards-based Math and ELA lessons.

research animals ideas

FREE SAMPLE OF ROOTED IN READING!​

Sample a day of Rooted in Reading with these lesson plans and activities for Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar!

New In the Shop

research animals ideas

Back to School Word Search, Crossword, Color Sheets for 1st Week of 2nd Grade

research animals ideas

Don’t Feed the Bear Camping Day Activities w/ Bear Research, Comprehension, Math & Opinion Writing

research animals ideas

Butterfly Life Cycle and Butterfly Reading Comprehension Activities for Spring with The Little Butterfly That Could

You might also enjoy....

research animals ideas

  • Privacy Policy
  • All Resources

research animals ideas

©2022 Amy Lemons. All Rights Reserved.

Designed by ashley hughes.

  • Search Menu
  • Sign in through your institution
  • Browse content in Arts and Humanities
  • Browse content in Archaeology
  • Prehistoric Archaeology
  • Browse content in Art
  • History of Art
  • Browse content in Classical Studies
  • Classical History
  • Classical Literature
  • Classical Reception
  • Greek and Roman Archaeology
  • Digital Humanities
  • Browse content in History
  • Diplomatic History
  • Environmental History
  • Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
  • History by Period
  • Legal and Constitutional History
  • Regional and National History
  • Social and Cultural History
  • Theory, Methods, and Historiography
  • World History
  • Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
  • Language Teaching Theory and Methods
  • Browse content in Linguistics
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Language Evolution
  • Language Families
  • Lexicography
  • Browse content in Literature
  • Bibliography
  • Literary Studies (American)
  • Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
  • Literary Studies (British and Irish)
  • Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
  • Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
  • Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
  • Browse content in Media Studies
  • Browse content in Music
  • Applied Music
  • Medicine and Music
  • Music Theory and Analysis
  • Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
  • Musicology and Music History
  • Browse content in Philosophy
  • Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
  • Epistemology
  • History of Western Philosophy
  • Metaphysics
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
  • Practical Ethics
  • Browse content in Religion
  • Christianity
  • Judaism and Jewish Studies
  • Religion and Science
  • Religion and Law
  • Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
  • Religious Studies
  • Browse content in Society and Culture
  • Ethical Issues and Debates
  • Browse content in Law
  • Arbitration
  • Company and Commercial Law
  • Comparative Law
  • Competition Law
  • Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
  • Employment and Labour Law
  • Environment and Energy Law
  • Financial Law
  • History of Law
  • Human Rights and Immigration
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Browse content in International Law
  • Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
  • Public International Law
  • IT and Communications Law
  • Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
  • Law and Society
  • Legal System and Practice
  • Medical and Healthcare Law
  • Browse content in Medicine and Health
  • Browse content in Allied Health Professions
  • Dietetics and Nutrition
  • Physiotherapy
  • Radiography
  • Anaesthetics
  • Clinical Neuroscience
  • Browse content in Clinical Medicine
  • Acute Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology and Diabetes
  • Gastroenterology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Toxicology
  • Medical Oncology
  • Rheumatology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Community Medical Services
  • Critical Care
  • Forensic Medicine
  • History of Medicine
  • Medical Skills
  • Browse content in Medical Dentistry
  • Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
  • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Statistics and Methodology
  • Browse content in Neurology
  • Neuropathology
  • Nursing Studies
  • Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Gynaecology
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Paediatrics
  • Browse content in Pathology
  • Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
  • Medical Microbiology and Virology
  • Patient Education and Information
  • Browse content in Pharmacology
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Reproduction, Growth and Development
  • Primary Care
  • Professional Development in Medicine
  • Browse content in Psychiatry
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Browse content in Radiology
  • Clinical Radiology
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Browse content in Surgery
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Browse content in Science and Mathematics
  • Browse content in Biological Sciences
  • Aquatic Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Plant Sciences and Forestry
  • Research Methods in Life Sciences
  • Structural Biology
  • Systems Biology
  • Zoology and Animal Sciences
  • Browse content in Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Mineralogy and Gems
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Browse content in Computer Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Architecture and Logic Design
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Mathematical Theory of Computation
  • Browse content in Computing
  • Computer Security
  • Computer Networking and Communications
  • Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
  • Atmospheric Sciences
  • Environmental Geography
  • Geology and the Lithosphere
  • Meteorology and Climatology
  • Browse content in Engineering and Technology
  • Agriculture and Farming
  • Biological Engineering
  • Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
  • Energy Technology
  • Engineering (General)
  • Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
  • Transport Technology and Trades
  • Browse content in Environmental Science
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
  • Browse content in Materials Science
  • Ceramics and Glasses
  • Composite Materials
  • Nanotechnology
  • Browse content in Mathematics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biomathematics and Statistics
  • Mathematical Education
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Pure Mathematics
  • Browse content in Neuroscience
  • Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
  • Neuroscientific Techniques
  • Browse content in Physics
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Relativity and Gravitation
  • Browse content in Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Health Psychology
  • Music Psychology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Browse content in Social Sciences
  • Browse content in Anthropology
  • Human Evolution
  • Browse content in Business and Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Industrial and Employment Relations
  • Industry Studies
  • Information and Communication Technologies
  • Organizational Theory and Behaviour
  • Public and Nonprofit Management
  • Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Criminology
  • Browse content in Economics
  • Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
  • Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
  • Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
  • Economic History
  • Economic Development and Growth
  • Financial Markets
  • Financial Institutions and Services
  • Health, Education, and Welfare
  • Labour and Demographic Economics
  • Law and Economics
  • Public Economics
  • Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
  • Browse content in Education
  • Schools Studies
  • Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
  • Environment
  • Browse content in Human Geography
  • Economic Geography
  • Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Communication Studies
  • Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
  • Browse content in Politics
  • Foreign Policy
  • Gender and Politics
  • International Relations
  • International Organization (Politics)
  • Political Behaviour
  • Political Economy
  • Political Institutions
  • Political Sociology
  • Political Theory
  • Public Policy
  • Public Administration
  • Quantitative Political Methodology
  • Regional Political Studies
  • Security Studies
  • Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
  • African Studies
  • Japanese Studies
  • Research and Information
  • Browse content in Social Work
  • Addictions and Substance Misuse
  • Browse content in Sociology
  • Economic Sociology
  • Gender and Sexuality
  • Gerontology and Ageing
  • Health, Illness, and Medicine
  • Migration Studies
  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Social Movements and Social Change
  • Social Research and Statistics
  • Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
  • Sociology of Religion
  • Urban and Rural Studies
  • Journals A to Z
  • Books on Oxford Academic

research animals ideas

Articles making an impact in Animal Science and Zoology

Discover impactful articles published in our animal science and zoology journal portfolio with our High-Impact Research collections, featuring the most read, most cited, and most discussed articles published in recent years, which have caught the interest of your peers.

Animal Science

Ornithology.

Zebras on a reserve

Behavioral Ecology  is broad-based and covers both empirical and theoretical approaches and published studies on the whole range of behaving organisms, including plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and humans.

research animals ideas

BioScience presents timely and authoritative overviews of current research in biology, accompanied by essays and discussion sections on education, public policy, history, and the conceptual underpinnings of the biological sciences.

Baby lemur on mother's back

Open access, Current Zoology  publishes review articles and research papers in the fields of ecology, evolution and behaviour.

European green lizard

Integrative and Comparative Biology  publishes forward-looking reviews, synthesis, perspectives and empirical articles in integrative, comparative and organismal biology.

Cows on field

Animal Frontiers publishes discussion and position papers that present international perspectives on high-impact, global issues in animal agriculture. 

Cow pen

Journal of Animal Science provides new knowledge and perspectives across a range of topics in both animal production and fundamental aspects of genetics, nutrition, physiology, and the preparation and utilization of animal products.

Horses on field

Translational Animal Science encompasses a broad scope of research topics in animal science, focusing on translating basic science to innovation.

Aquatic Science

King Crab

The  Journal of Crustacean Biology  publishes articles of broad interest on the biology of crustaceans and other marine arthropods.

Cuttlefish

Journal of Molluscan Studies  publishes research on the biology of molluscs, including the developing subjects of molecular genetics, cladistic phylogenetics and ecophysiology, as well as ecological, behavioural and systematic malacology.

research animals ideas

Annals of the Entomological Society of America publishes cutting-edge research, reviews, and collections on a common topic of broad interest, across the entomological disciplines.

research animals ideas

Arthropod Management Tests publishes short reports from a single year on a routine screening test for management of arthropods that may be harmful or beneficial.

Caterpillar on flower

Environmental Entomology  reports on the interaction of insects with the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of their environment.

research animals ideas

Insect Systematics and Diversity publishes original research on systematics, evolution, and biodiversity of insects and related arthropods. 

research animals ideas

The Journal of Economic Entomology is the most-cited entomological journal and publishes articles on the economic significance of insects and other arthropods.

research animals ideas

The  Journal of Insect Science  publishes articles based on original research, as well as Reviews, interpretive articles in a Forum section, and Short Communications in all fields of entomology.

research animals ideas

An extension-focused journal publishing original articles on any aspect of integrated pest management. The  Journal of Integrated Pest Management  is targeted at a non-technical audience of farmers, pest control operators, foresters, and others.

research animals ideas

Journal of Medical Entomology publishes reports on all phases of medical entomology and acarology, including the systematics and biology of insects, acarines, and other arthropods of public health and veterinary significance.

Mountain goats

Promoting interest in mammals throughout the world, the Journal of Mammalogy publishes research on all aspects of the biology of mammals, including behavior, conservation, ecology, genetics, morphology, physiology, and taxonomy. 

Gray wolves

Mammalian Species  is published by the American Society of Mammalogists with 15-35 individual species accounts issued each year, summarizing the current understanding of the biology of an individual species including systematics, distribution, fossil history, genetics, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and conservation.

Bird on branch

Ornithology  publishes original research from all parts of the globe that tests fundamental, scientific hypotheses through ornithological studies and advances our understanding of living or extinct bird species. 

Baltimore Oriole

Ornithological Applications  publishes original research, syntheses, and assessments on the application of scientific theory, ornithological knowledge, and methods to the conservation and management of birds and to policy.

Affiliations

  • Copyright © 2024
  • About Oxford Academic
  • Publish journals with us
  • University press partners
  • What we publish
  • New features  
  • Open access
  • Institutional account management
  • Rights and permissions
  • Get help with access
  • Accessibility
  • Advertising
  • Media enquiries
  • Oxford University Press
  • Oxford Languages
  • University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

  • Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
  • Cookie settings
  • Cookie policy
  • Privacy policy
  • Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

  • UConn Library
  • Animal Science Subject Guide
  • Research Topics

Animal Science Subject Guide — Research Topics

  • Starting Your Research Project
  • Searching Scholarly Databases
  • Encyclopedias & Handbooks
  • Finding Books
  • Other Information Sources
  • Useful Tools

Narrowing a topic

Sometimes narrowing to a specific topic does not come naturally and can be a difficult task. Here are some techniques available to make this process simpler.

  • First, pick a topic in which you are interested. You will spend a lot of time with your topic and you will do a better job with it if you find the topic enjoyable. As you search through potential topics, note which pique your interest and follow them further.
  • Look for a topic with some recent controversy or a set of related topics which can be compared and contrasted.
  • Pick a topic which you have some hope of understanding. If you cannot understand the basics you will not be able to write about it. Not all topics are appropriate for undergraduate paper writing.

Some additional sites with help on choosing and narrowing topics are listed below.

  • Choosing and Narrowing a Topic
  • Narrowing a Topic
  • Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question
  • Identifying when a Topic is Too Narrow or Too Broad

Where to find possible topics for science papers

If you don't know on what topic you want to write a paper, start by looking in sources with broad spreads of relevant information. 

  • Search any database by a particular journal or review journal (Science, Nature, Trends in Ecology & Evolution, etc.)
  • Look for a classic topic in your textbook 
  • Scan popular science sciences magazines such as Bioscience, Scientific American, Discover, etc.
  • Go to the popular  website  www.sciencedaily.com which covers most aspects of science and search for a topic
  • Search for ideas in the encyclopedias, handbooks or other books listed in this guide on a separate page
  • If you have some idea of a topic, search for review articles on that topic in one of the science databases listed in this guide
  • Search the table of contents of a journal which specializes in review articles, such as Trends in Ecology and Evolution

94 Wildlife Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best wildlife topic ideas & essay examples, ⭐ good research topics about wildlife, 👍 simple & easy wildlife essay titles, ❓ research questions about wildlife.

  • Wildlife Tourism Essay Tourism can lead to interference and destruction of the wildlife ecosystem, leading to decrease in the population of the animals and degradation of their habitats.
  • Wildlife Management and Extinction Prevention in Australia This paper investigates the threats to wildlife in Australia and strategies for managing and preventing their extinction. In summary, this paper examines the threats to wildlife in Australia and outlines strategies for managing and preventing […]
  • The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary A home to a great variety of wildlife and endangered species, the Manas Sanctuary is located in the Himalayan foothills, in the far eastern state of Assam.
  • Urban Wildlife Issues Actually, it is important to note that not all human developments are destructive; a focus toward taking care of or conserving animals in urban areas has promoted conservation and sustainability of environment and biodiversity.
  • Impact of Global Warming on Arctic Wildlife High surface temperatures lead to “the melting of ice in Polar Regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic regions causing a rise in the ocean and sea levels, which affects the amount and pattern of […]
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict: Vehicle Collisions With Animals The issue of collisions between wildlife and motor vehicles is a major challenge in most countries owing to the unpredictability of the animals’ closing in correspondence to the vast sizes of the parks and lands […]
  • Wildlife in Art, Science and Public Attitudes In her opinion, Hirst’s approach to art that involves “taking things out of the world” to get to their essence is extremely contradictory and aims to oversimplify the concept of wilderness.
  • American National Park Service and Wildlife The law reads in part: “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such […]
  • Wildlife Management in Urban Areas The end result of reducing the number of predator and carnivores in a given ecological system will cause an imbalance that allows organisms in the lower levels of the food chain to multiply to the […]
  • Oil Drilling in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge Therefore, drilling for oil in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge would be seen as an act that could potentially harm not only the wildlife and ecosystem in that location, but also affect the well-being of other […]
  • Climate Crisis and Wildlife in Danger The structure of the presentation includes an explanation of the issue and reasons for the beagles’ rescue, followed by the time limit to find new homes for dogs and a chronology of facility inspections.
  • The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Forrest Service Refuge Management Thus, the aim is to sustain natural resources with the purpose of providing people with the necessary benefits while ensuring the activities do not lead to the deterioration of the land.
  • Wildlife Conservation and Food Safety for Human From the epidemiological investigation, the seafood market in Wuhan was termed as the cause of the outbreak and Coronavirus was identified as of bat origin.
  • Immunization of the Wildlife Population Against Rabies The only way of reducing the number of casualties is by preventing the disease. The efficacy of the method is shown by significant achievements in the reduction of the number of rabies cases among the […]
  • Should the Arctic National Wild Life Refuge Be Opened to Oil Drilling? The Baloney Detection Kit used in the series of discussions provides the guidelines for the arguments presented. Wherever there is a need to justify an argument advanced for the debate or against the drilling, the […]
  • How Global Warming Has an Effect on Wildlife? According to one of the most detailed ecological studies of climate change, global warming is already directly affecting the lives of animals and plants living in various habitats across the world.
  • Hunting in Wildlife Refuges in California In addition, the lack of regulations and the prohibition of hunting in wildlife refuges in its entirety has led to the overpopulation of certain species and the introduction of imbalance to the ecosystem, with the […]
  • Wildlife Controls Around Commercial Airports Managing the safety of the airports is one of the most important responsibilities of civil aviation authorities around the world. Security in the aviation sector is the factors often given priority because of the magnitude […]
  • Wildlife Control in and Around Airports The main purpose of the paper is to describe possible ways to protect and control the airport area from wild animals and birds that are potentially dangerous to the safety of passengers and can disrupt […]
  • Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge’s Issues The article in question addresses the correlation between the value of property prices and the proximity of open spaces. The authors address two research questions, investigating the possibility of a correlation between the proximity of […]
  • Relations of World Wildlife Fund for Nature and Media The purpose of this NGO is to safeguard nature and to stop the degradation of the planet’s environment and “to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature”.
  • Wildlife Forensic DNA Laboratory and Its Risks The mission of the Wildlife Forensic DNA Laboratory is to provide evidence to governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure the protection of the wildlife in the country.
  • Water Transportation Industry’s Impact on Wildlife It is possible to note that emissions and the use of ballast water can be seen as serious issues that pose hazards to maritime animals.
  • Wildlife Parks Visitor Management Issues Administrators of wildlife parks have to employ different strategies of visitor management to ensure that they have a balance of demand by visitors and the available regeneration capacity of the wildlife parks.
  • Emerging Energy Development’ Impacts on Wildlife One of the major concerns involves the effect of energy development on wildlife and natural ecosystems. It is important to lessen the effects of energy development on wildlife and natural ecosystems.
  • A Call for Conservation of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Though economic benefits of such drilling are obvious, they do not outweigh the need to preserve the pristine nature of the area o the benefit of thousands of animal and plant species that depend on […]
  • Learning During Wildlife Tours in Protected Areas: Towards a Better Understanding of the Nature of Social Relations in Guided Tours
  • Wildlife-Based Recreation and Local Economic Development
  • Location-Specific Modeling for Optimizing Wildlife Management on Crop Farms
  • African Wildlife Policy: Protecting Wildlife Herbivores on Private Game Ranches
  • Illegal Logging, Fishing, and Wildlife Trade
  • Network Structure and Perceived Legitimacy in Collaborative Wildlife Management
  • Protected Areas, Wildlife Conservation, and Local Welfare
  • Habitat Conservation, Wildlife Extraction, and Agricultural Expansion
  • The Transaction Costs Tradeoffs of Private and Public Wildlife Management
  • Caring for Native Wildlife Securing Permit and Approval
  • Evaluating Tax Policy Proposals for Funding Nongame Wildlife Programs
  • Dealing With Wildlife Damage to Crops
  • Clear Forest Cause Extinction of Wildlife
  • Forensic Techniques for Wildlife Crime
  • Bird and Wildlife Management at Airports
  • Economic Benefits, Conservation and Wildlife Tourism
  • Environmental Plans and Wildlife Management Programs
  • The Current Issues Involving Wind Farms and Wildlife
  • Ecological Fever: The Evolutionary History of Coronavirus in Human-Wildlife Relationships
  • Opportunities for Transdisciplinary Science to Mitigate Biosecurity Risks From the Intersectionality of Illegal Wildlife Trade With Emerging Zoonotic Pathogens
  • Mitigation Measures for Wildlife in Wind Energy Development
  • Ecology and Wildlife Risk Evaluation Analysis
  • Ethical Considerations for Wildlife Reintroductions and Rewilding
  • Save Wildlife and Forest for Our Future Generations
  • Spatial Data Analysis and Study of Wildlife Conservation
  • Global Warming and Its Threat to the Future of Wildlife and Its Habitat
  • Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s Blackfish: Treatment of the Sea World and Marine Wildlife
  • Information and Wildlife Valuation: Experiments and Policy
  • Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land
  • Identifying and Assessing Potential Wildlife Habitat Corridors
  • Regulating the Global Fisheries: The World Wildlife Fund, Unilever, and the Marine Stewardship Council
  • Wildlife Gardening and Connectedness to Nature: Engaging the Unengaged
  • Urban Sprawl: Impact Upon Wildlife
  • Human Activities, Wildlife Corridors, and Laws and Policies
  • Pollution and Its Effects on Wildlife
  • Tourism, Poaching, and Wildlife Conservation: What Can Integrated Conservation and Development Projects Accomplish
  • Wildlife-Based Tourism and Increased Tourist Support for Nature Conservation Financially and Otherwise
  • Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods Through Wildlife Tourism
  • Evolving Urban Wildlife Health Surveillance to Intelligence for Pest Mitigation and Monitoring
  • Gray Lodge Wildlife Area: A Home for the Animals
  • Can Local Communities Afford Full Control Over Wildlife Conservation?
  • What Is the Biggest Threat to Wildlife Today?
  • What Are the Major Causes of Loss of Wildlife?
  • Should the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Be Opened to Oil Drilling?
  • How Does Hunting Affect Wildlife?
  • What Are the Effects of Wildlife Depletion?
  • What Is the Importance of Wildlife?
  • What Human Activities Badly Affect Wildlife?
  • What Will Happen if We Don’t Protect Wildlife?
  • What Are the Top Ten Ways to Save Wildlife?
  • What Are Man-Wildlife Conflicts?
  • What Are the Five Major Impacts Humans Have on the Environment?
  • How Killing Animals Affect the Wildlife Environment?
  • How Can We Prevent Human-Wildlife Conflict?
  • Where Is the Best Place to See Wildlife in the US?
  • What US National Park Has the Most Wildlife?
  • Does Florida Have a Lot of Wildlife?
  • What Wildlife Is in Yellowstone?
  • What Country Has the Most Exotic Wildlife?
  • How Humans Are Affecting Wildlife?
  • What Country Has the Best Wildlife?
  • What Continent Has the Most Wildlife?
  • What Is the Wildlife of Asia?
  • Which Country in Asia Has the Most Wildlife?
  • What Is the Most Common Wildlife in the Arctic?
  • Expedition Ideas
  • Zoo Research Ideas
  • Ecotourism Questions
  • Biodiversity Research Topics
  • Ecosystem Essay Topics
  • National Parks Research Topics
  • Environmental Protection Titles
  • Animal Welfare Ideas
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 2). 94 Wildlife Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/wildlife-essay-topics/

"94 Wildlife Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 2 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/wildlife-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '94 Wildlife Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 2 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "94 Wildlife Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/wildlife-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "94 Wildlife Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/wildlife-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "94 Wildlife Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/wildlife-essay-topics/.

research animals ideas

How to Explode Student Engagement with this Habitat Research Project

Habitat Research Report for Primary Students Blog Post by The Mountain Teacher 202

One HUGE 2nd grade standard is researching and learning about animals and their adaptations. Students LOVE this unit, but teachers can be intimidated by the overwhelming pressure involved in guiding student research at such a young age. I love doing this 2nd grade animal research project with my students every March! This project has been reworked for a digital platform as well .

Animal Habitat Research Report for 2nd or 3rd Graders01

I love to start by playing a Brain Pop Jr, Flocabulary or YouTube video for my kids on all of the different habitats that exist. Typically, we have previously researched habitats during our social studies unit before starting this writing project, so they already have the background knowledge.

Then, I let students pick the habitat they are most interested in studying. From there, they pick 3-4 animals that live in the habitat that they would like to research more about. We use National Geographic Kids , Epic! Books and library books [all free resources] to learn about our animals.

2. RESEARCH/PLANNING

Animal Habitat Research Report for 2nd or 3rd Graders Graphic Organizer

The next day, I model my own notes for students. Then, I give students lots of time to research their animals and take notes. It is really important that you are walking around the room and guiding students during this time.

If you have a struggling group of writers, I like to work with them at the back table during this time. We all research the same animals and take notes together. This helps them build confidence and feel sure about their writing in future days.

3. DRAFTING

I break drafting days up into 2 days so that students can really focus on the craft of what they are writing. I also always model before releasing students to write on their own.

Animal Habitat Research Report for 2nd or 3rd Graders Graphic Organizer for Draft

Depending on what we have covered so far in the year, I encourage students to be sure to add:

  • embedded definitions
  • transition words
  • conjunctions
  • adjectives, adverbs and prepositions where appropriate
  • 3-4 details per fact

4. PUBLISHING/GRADING

Animal Habitat Research Report for 2nd or 3rd Graders 303

On the last day for each animal (typically Friday), I give students time to publish. While they publish, I model then ask them to add a map and diagram to their writing. I also show them how to grade themselves on the rubric, so they can double check that they are not missing anything.

After they finish, I give them free time to explore other animals in their habitat while I grade their writing. I find grading at the end of each animal rather than at the end of the entire project saves me a TON of time.

We repeat steps 2-4 for either 3 or 4 animals. Some students may work faster, while some may take a bit more time on each step. I try to adjust the project to be appropriate for the majority of the class.

research animals ideas

When the project is done, I try to find a special way for us to share our work. This can include sharing to younger buddies, parents or doing an author’s chair.

Since they work so hard on this project, we make a BIG DEAL out of the finished project, and I typically send it home with parents during conferences. It makes a great writing portfolio and talking piece with parents.

Digital Animal Habitat Research Report for 2nd or 3rd Graders101

Teaching digitally or wanting to add a digital component to your writing block? This project can also be completed in a digital format . Students will go through the same process, completing all of their work on Google Slides rather than writing using paper and pencil.

Grab the resources pictured above here:

Animal Habitat Research Report Writing Project for Elementary Students01

Do you teach about a 2nd grade animal research project each year? Drop your ideas in the comments below!

Some other posts you might find helpful are:

  • Teaching Animal Habitats During Science Ideas
  • Animal Adaptations Writing Project
  • Life Science Unit: Animal Adaptation

Emily - The Mountain Teacher

Share your thoughts... cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

DON'T MISS THE LATEST FREEBIES, RESOURCES, IDEAS & MORE!

Quick links.

  • The Mountain Teacher 2024
  • Site Design by Laine Sutherland Designs

Enjoy a completely custom, expertly-written dissertation. Choose from hundreds of writers, all of whom are career specialists in your subject.

Best Animal Research Topics for Your Research Papers

check Animal Research Topics

Animals, of course is what almost everyone can relate with. However, you may never know you don’t know much about animals until your professor ask you to write a research paper on animals. Then you will begin to realize you have limited or no idea about some animals you have seen regularly.

Animal research paper may not be as easy as you think. Getting the right topic idea before the proper writing is as difficult as writing itself. Since you are writing about a general subject such as animals, the most impressive thing is to write about a seemingly unpopular idea about animals. This will make your research paper more valuable and commendable.

Your next question will then be, how do I get the right animal research topics? No doubt, it seems difficult to get the right topic to write about animals. However, we have helped to compile the best topics to consider in your next research paper. In this piece, you will find several topics for different types of essays and research papers.

Easy Animals Research Topics

There is no doubt about it, there are topics that can be considered as easy for research writing. Such topics are easy to research and develop. Students who do not enjoy tedious research will rather go for this kind of topic. The following are easy animal research paper topics you can consider;

  • What is an Asiatic horse breed and what are its characteristics?
  • Dog vs cat: What are the similarities and differences between these two pets?
  • Simple ways to train a pony quickly.
  • Can Polar bears be seen at the South Pole?
  • Identifying the top 3 weirdest animals on Earth and their characteristics.
  • What is poaching and what are the negative effects?
  • What are penguins and why are they known as flightless birds?
  • An in-depth analysis of Africa and its vast wildlife.
  • What are migratory birds: Identifying the classification and characteristics.
  • Poaching and its negative effects on wildlife and methods to discourage it.

Best Animal Research Topics and Questions

Every research paper must be able to give answers to a research question. In the case of animals, some questions beg for answers that can be considered for research writing. These kinds of questions present your research writing as a valid and relatable one. You can consider the following animal research questions in your next paper writing;

  • Testing of antibiotics on animals: is it appropriate or the wrong approach?
  • The extinction of dinosaurs: what are the factors responsible for their extinction?
  • What is an exotic pet and how do you care for it?
  • What is a better pet between a dog and a cat?
  • What animal should be considered the largest predator and what are its characteristics?
  • Keeping animals in zoos: will you consider this inhumane treatment?
  • Do humans have the right to kill animals and what are animal rights?
  • Hunting for sport: Is this activity improper and should it be banned?
  • What are endangered species and how can they be protected?
  • Exotic pets in the United Kingdom: What are the excesses and why should they be banned?

Simple Animal Topics for Research Papers on Animal Rescue

Animal rescue is an important discussion on animals in recent times. There are mixed submissions about this subject and these discussions have given birth to a lot of controversies. Addressing any of such topics in your research paper writing proves your knowledge about animals. Here are topics on animal rescue you can consider for your research writing;

  • Rescuing animals in need or danger: what we should all know.
  • A simple review of the Australian bushfire and its effects on wildlife.
  • Poor social skills in rescuing animals and how to develop effectiveness.
  • A simple review of wildfire in the United State and the consequent effect on wildlife.
  • Rescuing dogs in the military: what are the resources guarding problems and how to address them?
  • Analyzing the lack of proper veterinary care for rescued animals.
  • What is an anxiety problem in animals using rescuing dogs as a case study?
  • Evaluating rescue cats and their destructive problem.
  • Analyzing the end of life of rescue animals: What eventually happened to these animals?
  • Inadequate screening for the adoption of rescue animals and its effects on the entire process.

Animal Research Project Ideas College

College students who study animal science-related courses are likely to write often about animals. As such, there should be a dedicated topic section for college students. Writing about animals as a college student is no less than writing as a university student. However, college students should consider writing on the following topics about animals;

  • Should a college student consider having a pet and what pet is the best consideration?
  • Tardigrades: Do tardigrades live in space and how do they survive?
  • Evaluating the process of using snake venom in the production of anticancer drugs.
  • What are the factors to consider before buying your kids a pet?
  • Analyzing the animal fight in the United Kingdom and the effect on animal rights.
  • What are psychological issues present in zoo animals?
  • Cats’ vaccination: What are the effects and why is it important?
  • Evaluating animals in extreme weather conditions: What are their features and adaptation methods?
  • Lab mice: why are these animals considered a perfect fit for experiments?
  • What are dog vaccines and what is their importance?

Best Dog Research Topics

Dogs by far seem to be the most popular animals and pets on Earth. There are a lot of interesting things to explore about this unique animal. You may then want to write some research papers on dogs and their uniqueness. Here are research topics about dogs to consider;

  • Research paper on the evolution of dogs from Gray Wolf.
  • Dog as a human best pet ever: What are the factors responsible for dog wide acceptance as the best pet?
  • All you need to know about classical conditioning and how to teach new tricks to your dog.
  • What is ropeless dog lead and how feasible is this dog leading model?
  • How to address the moral dilemma of incessant barking in dogs.
  • Identifying the aggressive and unaggressive breeds of dogs and factors responsible for such behaviors.
  • How does tail wagging signify the emotion and expression of happiness in dogs?
  • What is animal-assisted therapy and how does your dog qualify for one?
  • What is operant conditioning in dogs and what are the consequences?
  • Why is a protection dog important and what breeds are the most suitable?

Animal Rights Topics for Research Paper

Animal rights have been one of the most trending topics about animals in recent times. While it is difficult to believe that animals have rights, a lot of people need to understand that they really do. Writing a research paper on animal rights can be an attempt to establish the truth about animals and their rights. The following are animal rights research topics to consider in your next research writing;

  • Animal rights movement in the United State: an overview of the goals of the movement.
  • Do animals require more rights and what should they be?
  • An overview of animal rights in China and how effective it is.
  • Discussing animal rights in the United Kingdom and evaluating the implementation so far.
  • Does keeping animals in zoos violate animal rights and what are the best zoological practices?
  • What are the violations of animal rights in fishing practices?
  • What is the implication of animal rights on invasive species?
  • Analyzing animal rights in Europe and what are the clauses that make up the right?
  • Evaluating cow rights in India and Africa: what are the best practices to maintain animal rights?
  • Can predator animals be killed without breaking animal rights rules?

Persuasive Essay Topics About Animals

Discussions on animals will either take the form of support or oppose the motion. While everyone may not have the same idea, persuasive essays help establish your idea in the best way to convince others. There are a lot of topics about animals that are best discussed in a persuasive essay. The following are persuasive animal topics to write about;

  • Stopping deforestation and how it can help in preserving wildlife.
  • A persuasive essay on stopping the eating of animal food to preserve animal life.
  • What are the effects of global warming on wildlife and what we can do to ease the effect?
  • What is using animals in circuses and why you should stop the act.
  • What is pet insurance, does it worth it and why should you consider it?
  • What are the negative effects of pollution on animals and what we should do to help the situation?
  • Why should pet owners adopt their pets rather than buy them?
  • Why you should not consider foxes as pets.
  • Why you should stop eating pork and what are the health benefits attached to this action?
  • Why you should get your pet a microchip for easy control and communication?

Argumentative Topics About Animals

An argumentative essay is the type of essay that seeks to argue out a point to convince others. The topic for such an essay must be one that allows for heated discussion on the subject of animals. There are quite a lot of animal topics that have generated debates over time. You can write an argumentative essay on the following research topics about animals;

  • Do cats make the best pets as opposed to dogs?
  • Why is it inappropriate to hold animals in captivity and what should be the right practices?
  • Should exotic pet ownership be banned and why should this happen?
  • Should a man feed wildlife and why?
  • Debate on whether zoos should be more regulated and why?
  • Debates on whether the Massai should be stopped from hunting lions and why?
  • Are Hyenas becoming endangered species and arguing the causes.
  • Why do we need more elephant sanctuaries and what is their importance?
  • Debates on why dogs should be considered the best service animals and why?
  • Arguing on the importance of flies to mankind as opposed to their disadvantages.

Veterinarian Research Paper Topics

Veterinarians are known to be the closest to animals. They are considered to have more understanding of animals than any other kind of person. As such, veterinarian subjects about animals must be more complex and detailed. Here are topics about animals for veterinarian research paper writing;

  • Veterinarian: Explain the concept of veterinary and what are its unique functions?
  • What are the dangers and the challenges of being a veterinary?
  • How does a veterinarian explain Brucellosis?
  • What are the most common health challenges of cats in the United Kingdom?
  • Discussion on the recent biomedical research on animals.
  • Poor veterinary care in rural Europe and the effects on animals.
  • Identifying the technological breakthroughs in veterinary medicine and how they have enhanced animal care.
  • Tapeworm infection in animals: what is the best approach to address it in dogs and cats?
  • What is the veterinarian’s conclusion on using punishment for pet training purposes?
  • What is mycotoxicosis and why are the implications on the health of animals?

Interesting Animal Research Topics

Animals research papers can be an interesting topic to discuss. Animals of course can be interesting to study in certain aspects. You must consider intriguing topics about animals to create an interesting animal research paper. The following are good topics for interesting animal research topics;

  • Should mosquitoes be considered useless insects and what are the reasons?
  • Analyzing the Lion pride of African wildlife.
  • Exploring the anatomy of the hyena and what are its most striking features?
  • What are Tardigrades: Exploring the features of this special animal.
  • What is the IUCN red list of threatened species and what are the implications?
  • Animal adaptation and survival in the desert: what features are responsible for the adaptation process?
  • A cross-analysis of the butterfly life cycle and what are the interesting things to note?
  • Dolphin: What factors make them intelligent animals as they are portrayed?
  • Medical testing on animals: Is it a justifiable act or an inappropriate action?
  • What are the unique features of monkeys that make tree climbing so easy for them?

Animal Topics About Your Favorite Pet

Writing about your favorite pet might be one of the easiest animal essay writings. Since you are close to your favorite pet, you should have more to say about the pet. As such, your writing must be written from a standpoint of a firsthand experience. The following are animal research paper topics good for your research writing on your favorite pet;

  • What animal would you consider your favorite animal and why have you made the decision?
  • Which animal can be considered the funniest animal and what are its characteristics?
  • What features of the dog contribute to it being the most favorite pet of man?
  • Should you consider owning an exotic pet? Why and why not?
  • What can be considered the trait of your favorite animal?
  • Can animals ever be loyal? Using a case study of your favorite animal.
  • What is the best animal in the world and why will you consider it so?
  • An essay on the death of your favorite pet and what led to the death.
  • What animal would be your favorite pet if you could tame wildlife?
  • Comparing dogs and cats: Which animal is best for pets and what are the reasons?  

Animal Research Topics for High School Students

High School students study a subject called animal science. This subject exposes them to some theories about animals and their characteristics. As such, high school students may write an essay or mini research on any animal of their choice. Here are some animal research topics high school students can consider;

  • Expensive veterinary care: what factors are responsible for the high cost of service?
  • Identifying the similarities and the difference between camels and dromedaries.
  • Should high school students be allowed to come with their pets?
  • Analyzing the conversion of wild animals to pets in the United States.
  • What is a local animal shelter and how can you adopt animals from there?
  • Can an elephant ever swim or it is just an assumption?
  • First-hand comparison of a cat and dog from a student who has both as pets.
  • Identifying irresponsible breeding of dogs and what are the consequences?
  • Killer whale and how it hunts its prey.
  • What is an Orangutan and analyzing its habitat loss?

Animal Abuse Research Topics

Animal rights advocates have over time insisted that animals are being abused. In fact, keeping animals in zoos is considered to be one such act of animal cruelty. Being a controversial topic, you can choose to write a research paper on it. Here are topics on animal abuse you can write about in your research paper;

  • Prevailing animal abuse acts in the United States.
  • What is the difference between animal abuse and animal cruelty?
  • Animal abuses in China and what are the moves to curtail the act.
  • What is animal hoarding behavior and what are the effects on animal health?
  • The relationship between cruelty towards animals and their aggressive response.
  • Can we consider animal testing as animal abuse?
  • Analyzing animal neglect as a form of animal abuse.
  • India and the rising case of animal abuse: Cow and bull as a case study.
  • Animal fights and sports as a form of animal abuse and cruelty.
  • An overview of the animal abuse law in the United States.

Endangered Animal Research Topics

Certain animals are considered to be endangered species. This is because due to manhunts and poaching they are becoming extremely rare. There are many of these animals and you can choose to write a research paper on any of them. Here are the best research questions about animals called endangered species;

  • What is the whooping crane and can it be saved?
  • The Bonobo monkey and how it can be saved from extinction.
  • Peregrine falcon: Where was it found, what treatment is it subjected to, and how can it be preserved?
  • What is the Galapagos penguin and what factors make it an endangered species?
  • The black-footed ferret and its high chances of getting extinct.
  • Whale shark: what are its vulnerabilities and the moves to save it from extinction?
  • What is the monarch butterfly, where is it found, and how can it be preserved?
  • What are the factors responsible for the dwindling population of the loggerhead sea turtle?
  • The shout Asian dolphin, its vulnerability, and how it can be saved.
  • Evaluating the extinction of the dinosaur and factors that may be responsible for this.

How Can I Get My Animal Research Paper?

Writing your animal research topics become an easy task when you have the right topic to research. You only do the task of carrying out research and developing your point. However, when you are a student with a lot of social activities alongside your academics, these simple tasks may seem cumbersome also.

We have got you covered as we have a service that allows you to order your research paper. Our league of writers features experts in animal science and related courses who can write you a perfect research paper. You can achieve this by contacting our support agent to inquire about the ordering process. You can rest assured of a high-quality paper with no grammatical errors or plagiarism when you use this service.

Research papers on animal topics are inevitable for students who study animal science, zoology, biology, and some other related courses. All levels of education including universities, colleges, and high school students can write on this subject matter. There are various subject matters in animal science to discuss and evaluate.

There is a lot of discourse such as animal abuse, animal rights, and animal cruelty that can be the central idea of a research paper. While some of these ideas might be difficult to analyze, having the right topics can make it a seamless task as it will give you headway. However, if you still find it difficult to write your research paper, you can order an animal research paper expert on our platform.

Hire a dissertation writer and explore a wide range of captivating animal research topics with the expertise of our professional writers. Our skilled team is ready to assist you in selecting compelling topics and crafting high-quality research papers that meet the highest academic standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richard Ginger is a dissertation writer and freelance columnist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the writing industry. He handles every project he works on with precision while keeping attention to details and ensuring that every work he does is unique.

research animals ideas

Succeed With A Perfect Dissertation

Anthropology topics

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

Chinese farmed fur animals found to harbor dozens of novel viruses

  • Download PDF Copy

Hugo Francisco de Souza

Hidden reservoirs: Mink, raccoon dogs, and other fur animals may be breeding grounds for the next pandemic, with newly discovered viruses posing a serious threat to global health.

Study: Farmed fur animals harbour viruses with zoonotic spillover potential. Image Credit: chinahbzyg / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal Nature , researchers conducted a metatranscriptomic investigation of Chinese farmed fur mammals suspected to have died from viral diseases to elucidate if these animals served as a reservoir for viral strains with zoonotic spillover potential. This comprehensive analysis highlights the critical role of fur animals as potential vectors for future pandemics.

Next-generation sequencing of tissues from 461 individual samples collected across 28 species revealed 125 vertebrate-associated virus species from 20 viral families, significantly higher than previously estimated.

Notably, the study identified 36 novel viruses and at least 39 viruses meeting the criteria for high-risk transmission, including seven coronaviruses , depicting cross-species transmission and zoonotic spillover potential. This includes the identification of a novel MERS-like coronavirus in mink and three subtypes of influenza A virus, further expanding the known host range for these pathogens.

At least 39 of the viruses, including multiple coronaviruses, pose a significant threat of jumping from animals to humans.

The study expanded the known ranges of several virus species and identified previously unknown hosts as disease reservoirs. It highlights mink (reservoir for 23 virus species from 11 viral families), raccoon dogs (19 virus species from 14 viral families), Arctic foxes (13 virus species from 6 viral families), and guinea pigs (potential intermediate host for pathogen transmission) as animals requiring intensive surveillance lest they serve as the trigger for a viral outbreak of pandemic proportions.

Co-infection between different mammalian hosts was observed to be common, with 15 virus species transmitting between fur animals of different orders. For example, the study detected Japanese encephalitis virus in guinea pigs, a virus typically associated with human and swine infections. This finding underscores the broad host spectrum and significant cross-species transmission potential of the identified viruses.

Despite the substantial number of human-specific pathogenic viruses in global circulation, most recent disease outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic proportions (Ebola, SARS, MERS, HIV, Lyme disease, Rift Valley fever, Lassa fever, and COVID-19) have resulted from the zoonotic spillover of their causative agents from animals to humans.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) estimates that 60% of known infectious diseases and 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animal reservoirs. This highlights the importance of surveillance and research in preventing the next pandemic event.

Modern advances in viral sequencing technologies have enabled high-throughput pathogen screening of farmed animals, arguably the more frequent source of human disease genesis and transmission.

Unfortunately, most research efforts have hitherto focused on conventional livestock (e.g., cows, goats, and swine), with fur animals (e.g., muskrats, mink, and deer) largely overlooked.

Furthermore, most metagenomic investigations of animal viruses use pooled fecal samples (combining multiple individuals from the same species or location), which, while relevant in diversity and evolutionary analyses, fails to unravel prevalence and co-infection processes.

"…fur animals such as foxes, civets and mink have been suggested to be the potential hosts for a variety of human viruses, including influenza A virus (IAV), SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and outbreaks of H5N1 IAV have recently been reported in farmed European mink. As humans regularly come into contact with farmed animals, it is critical to improve our knowledge of the viruses that circulate among farmed fur animals and their potential for zoonotic transmission."

About the study

The present study aims to address current knowledge gaps by individually sampling 461 fur animals from across China (a region historically associated with zoonotic outbreaks yet hitherto understudied) to elucidate animal species at heightened risk of serving as viral reservoirs, thereby guiding future surveillance efforts.

The study documented frequent virus transmission between different species, including mink, raccoon dogs, and guinea pigs, raising alarm over potential human infection.

Species were categorized as 'main' fur animals (those only farmed for fur and not for food; n = 164 samples from 4 species) and 'multipurpose' farmed animals (n = 297 samples from 24 species). Sample collection was carried out between 2021 and 2024 on dead fur mammals suspected of dying from disease.

Sample tissue collection comprised 441 intestinal, 225 lung, and one liver sample. Mitochondrial cytochrome B ( Cytb ) confirmed the species of fur animals sampled genetically.

The Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform was used for RNA sequencing, followed by MEGAHIT (v.1.2.8) for the de novo assembly of the rRNA library. Assembled contigs were passed through a non-redundant protein database (Diamond blastx) to identify viruses within the tissue samples. The Bowtie2 platform was used to estimate viral abundance in each sample (metric = reads mapped per million [RPM]).

"We categorized three types of potentially high-risk viruses: (1) a zoonotic virus was defined as a virus that has been found at least once in humans; (2) a cross-order virus was defined as a virus that has not yet been reported to infect humans, but which has been found in two or more animal orders; and (3) a novel potential risk virus was defined as a virus with >60% amino acid similarity to known viruses, where the genus in question has been found in more than three mammalian orders," the researchers explained.

Study findings

Phylogenetic analysis revealed 125 vertebrate-associated virus species (20 families) across the 461 samples, including 36 previously undescribed species (12 families) absent from the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Alarmingly, zoonotic viral risk criteria highlighted 13 of these novel species as 'high-risk,' emphasizing the need for further research into their epidemiology.

Three hundred thirty-five host samples (>72%) were found positive for at least one virus species, with the study demonstrating a >60% increase in virus host range over previously known. Most fur animal species investigated were found to play host to between 2 and 23 virus species.

Mink, guinea pigs, raccoon dogs, and Arctic foxes were found to be the most generalist hosts, acting as reservoirs for 23, 20, 19, and 13 virus species, respectively.

Of particular concern is the identification of Pipistrellus bat coronavirus HKU5-like viruses in mink, highlighting a cross-order transmission event with significant zoonotic potential. Additionally, novel influenza A viruses, such as H5N6 and H6N2, were detected in mink and muskrat, respectively, indicating these animals could serve as important intermediate hosts in viral transmission chains.

Co-infection between interspecific mammalian hosts was observed to be commonplace – 15 virus species were found to transmit between fur animals of different orders, 11 of which display the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans.

Together, these findings highlight farmed fur animals as significant reservoirs of potential epi- or pandemic-triggering viral pathogens, underscoring the need for extensive surveillance and research efforts to restrict the transmission of these viromes to humans and other domesticated or wild mammalian populations.

"The order Carnivora carried the highest number of potentially high-risk viruses in this study, while guinea pigs (Rodentia) also carried a high diversity of viruses, including JEV and IAV. Guinea pigs may, therefore, act as intermediate hosts in virus transmission chains and warrant more intensive surveillance," the study concludes.

Conclusions

The present study identified Chinese farmed fur animals (28 species) as unprecedented reservoirs of more than 125 virus species (20 families), 36 novel to science, and at least 13 categorized as 'high-risk' for their zoonotic transmission potential to humans.

Furthermore, the study revealed high-priority species (e.g., guinea pigs, muskrats, and mink) and frequent co-infections between mammals and humans, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and research to avoid and address future zoonotic outbreaks.

The study's findings provide crucial reference data for understanding the potential for fur animals to trigger future outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of ongoing virological surveillance to protect public health.

  • Zhao, J., Wan, W., Yu, K.  et al.  Farmed fur animals harbour viruses with zoonotic spillover potential.  Nature  (2024), DOI – 10.1038/s41586-024-07901-3, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07901-3

Posted in: Medical Science News | Medical Research News | Disease/Infection News

Tags: Amino Acid , Coronavirus , covid-19 , Encephalitis , Epidemiology , Fever , Food , Global Health , H5N1 , HIV , Illumina , Infectious Diseases , Influenza , Japanese Encephalitis , Liver , Lyme Disease , Pandemic , Pathogen , Protein , Public Health , Research , Rift Valley Fever , RNA , RNA Sequencing , SARS , SARS-CoV-2 , Virus

Hugo Francisco de Souza

Hugo Francisco de Souza is a scientific writer based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. His academic passions lie in biogeography, evolutionary biology, and herpetology. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, where he studies the origins, dispersal, and speciation of wetland-associated snakes. Hugo has received, amongst others, the DST-INSPIRE fellowship for his doctoral research and the Gold Medal from Pondicherry University for academic excellence during his Masters. His research has been published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, including PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases and Systematic Biology. When not working or writing, Hugo can be found consuming copious amounts of anime and manga, composing and making music with his bass guitar, shredding trails on his MTB, playing video games (he prefers the term ‘gaming’), or tinkering with all things tech.

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

Francisco de Souza, Hugo. (2024, September 09). Chinese farmed fur animals found to harbor dozens of novel viruses. News-Medical. Retrieved on September 09, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240909/Chinese-farmed-fur-animals-found-to-harbor-dozens-of-novel-viruses.aspx.

Francisco de Souza, Hugo. "Chinese farmed fur animals found to harbor dozens of novel viruses". News-Medical . 09 September 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240909/Chinese-farmed-fur-animals-found-to-harbor-dozens-of-novel-viruses.aspx>.

Francisco de Souza, Hugo. "Chinese farmed fur animals found to harbor dozens of novel viruses". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240909/Chinese-farmed-fur-animals-found-to-harbor-dozens-of-novel-viruses.aspx. (accessed September 09, 2024).

Francisco de Souza, Hugo. 2024. Chinese farmed fur animals found to harbor dozens of novel viruses . News-Medical, viewed 09 September 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240909/Chinese-farmed-fur-animals-found-to-harbor-dozens-of-novel-viruses.aspx.

Suggested Reading

Garlic’s antioxidant and nitric oxide boosting effects may help lower blood pressure

Cancel reply to comment

  • Trending Stories
  • Latest Interviews
  • Top Health Articles

Low-carb diets exceed nutrient needs and promote heart health by improving key dietary ratios

How can microdialysis benefit drug development

Ilona Vuist

In this interview, discover how Charles River uses the power of microdialysis for drug development as well as CNS therapeutics.

How can microdialysis benefit drug development

Global and Local Efforts to Take Action Against Hepatitis

Lindsey Hiebert and James Amugsi

In this interview, we explore global and local efforts to combat viral hepatitis with Lindsey Hiebert, Deputy Director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE), and James Amugsi, a Mandela Washington Fellow and Physician Assistant at Sandema Hospital in Ghana. Together, they provide valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and the importance of partnerships in the fight against hepatitis.

Global and Local Efforts to Take Action Against Hepatitis

Addressing Important Cardiac Biology Questions with Shotgun Top-Down Proteomics

In this interview conducted at Pittcon 2024, we spoke to Professor John Yates about capturing cardiomyocyte cell-to-cell heterogeneity via shotgun top-down proteomics.

Addressing Important Cardiac Biology Questions with Shotgun Top-Down Proteomics

Latest News

GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise in treating substance use disorders

Newsletters you may be interested in

Infectious Diseases

Your AI Powered Scientific Assistant

Hi, I'm Azthena, you can trust me to find commercial scientific answers from News-Medical.net.

A few things you need to know before we start. Please read and accept to continue.

  • Use of “Azthena” is subject to the terms and conditions of use as set out by OpenAI .
  • Content provided on any AZoNetwork sites are subject to the site Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .
  • Large Language Models can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.

Great. Ask your question.

Azthena may occasionally provide inaccurate responses. Read the full terms .

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions .

Provide Feedback

IMAGES

  1. Animal Research templates for primary grades

    research animals ideas

  2. The Best Topic for Animal Research for Kids

    research animals ideas

  3. Animal Research for Kids with Zoey and Sassafras (Free Printable

    research animals ideas

  4. Animal Research Project Ideas by Petra Choi

    research animals ideas

  5. Animal Research Project

    research animals ideas

  6. Writing Unit of Study: Animal Research Project

    research animals ideas

VIDEO

  1. viewers hybrid animals ideas! #hybrid #animal #animart #aiart #fusion #animals #viral #trending #ai

  2. Ai hybrid animals ideas 🧬🤯 #shorts #hybrids #fusion #animals #ai #since

  3. science research animals || Grow Up 😂 #animals #shorts #viralvideo

  4. viewers hybrid animals ideas! #hybrid #shorts #animart #aiart #fusion #animals #viral #trending #ai

  5. Adorable Animals Amigurumi Part 3

  6. viewers hybrid animals ideas! #hybrid #animal #animart #aiart #fusion #animals #viral #trending #ai

COMMENTS

  1. 162 Best Animal Research Topics To Nail Your Paper In 2023

    162 Best Animal Research Topics To Nail Your Paper In ...

  2. Discover Inspiring Animal Research Topics

    Discover Inspiring Animal Research Topics

  3. 150+ Zoology Project Ideas: Explore Animal Kingdom

    150+ Zoology Project Ideas: Explore Animal Kingdom

  4. 45+ Veterinary Dissertation Topics

    45+ Veterinary Dissertation Topics. Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On May 3, 2024. Veterinary medicine is a broad area of study, so there are many potential issues you can base your dissertation or thesis on. You may want to consider veterinary science comparable to human health care, such as laboratory animal medicine ...

  5. 19 Animal Science Lessons and Experiments

    18 Animal Science Lessons and Experiments

  6. Animal Studies and School Project Ideas

    Animal research is important for understanding various biological processes in animals, humans included. Scientists study animals in order to learn ways for improving their agricultural health, our methods of wildlife preservation, and even the potential for human companionship. ... Animal Studies and School Project Ideas. Retrieved from https ...

  7. Frontiers in Animal Science

    Quantifying and Mitigating Pollution from Livestock Production Systems. Long Cheng. Innocent Rugoho. Majid Shakeri. Omar Al-Marashdeh. Mabrouk ELSABAGH. 3,934 views. 2 articles. A multidisciplinary journal that advances our understanding of food and livestock production, while safeguarding animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

  8. Biology Research Topics

    Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates. 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species. Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat. Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity. Investigating the role of pheromones ...

  9. Research Animals

    Estimates for the total number of animals used in research worldwide range widely, from over 100 million to over 190 million, while estimates for the U.S. range from 12-24 million. In the U.S., researchers are not required to report the numbers of rats, mice, and birds used in experiments, and these species combined make up an estimated 93-97% ...

  10. A guide to open science practices for animal research

    original image. Fig 1. Using open science practices throughout translational research studies. Application of open science practices at each step of the research process can maximize the impact of performed animal experiments. The implementation of these practices will lead to less time pressure at the end of a project.

  11. Animals in Research

    Animals are often used to study many different scientific topics. But many scientists and others argue whether it's ok to use animals for this purpose. Here we discuss why scientists use animals and research, and discuss some of the rules and regulations in place to help protect animals used in research.

  12. Research articles

    Research articles | Lab Animal

  13. Knowledge Gaps: Animal-Focused Research Ideas For Grad Students

    We've compiled a list of 9 topics and research areas where you could have a big impact. The world of scholarship on animals, animal advocacy, and the myriad issues surrounding both, is ever-growing. Faunalytics' Research Library has thousands of summaries of such scholarship available. However, even though we add 200+ studies to the Library ...

  14. 196 Animal Essay Topics & Animals Abuse Ideas

    196 Animal Essay Topics & Animals Abuse Ideas. Animal essay topics offer an incredibly diverse range of subjects for exploration and discussion. The complex world of animal behavior and cognition, for example, presents intriguing questions about the minds and emotional lives of different species. The critical issue of conservation, driven by ...

  15. Animals

    Animals

  16. Social Science Research Topics for Animal Welfare

    This is a list of social science research topics related to animal welfare, developed by researchers on the Open Phil farm animal welfare (FAW) team. We compiled this list because people often ask us for suggestions on topics that would be valuable to research. The primary audience for this document is students (undergrad, grad, high school ...

  17. The Best Topic for Animal Research for Kids

    Here are a few websites I recommend for researching alligators and crocodiles. Ducksters. Nat Geo Kids. DK Findout. San Diego Zoo Webpage for Alligators. San Diego Zoo Webpage for Crocs. Students can choose whether to research alligators or crocodiles. They can use the corresponding recording sheets to collect their facts, such as: Habitat.

  18. Articles making an impact in Animal Science and Zoology

    Discover impactful articles published in our animal science and zoology journal portfolio with our High-Impact Research collections, featuring the most read, most cited, and most discussed articles published in recent years, which have caught the interest of your peers. Animal Science. Entomology. Mammology. Ornithology.

  19. LibGuides: Animal Science Subject Guide: Research Topics

    Nepenthes alata (Asian pitcher plant) Sarracenia purpurea (American pitcher plant) Drosera adelae (Sundew) Concept 3. Digestive enzymes. Chitanase. Purple acid phosphatase. RNase T2. Add Boolean Operators (AND & OR) to structure the search in a database search interface.

  20. Experiment with Animal Behavior Science Projects

    Experiment with Animal Behavior Science Projects (14 results) Experiment with Animal Behavior Science Projects. (14 results) Investigate a question about animal ethology, their behavior. Discover what safely repels ants, how animals prefer to eat, what environments animals prefer, or how animals journey. Understanding Wolf Behavior from GPS ...

  21. 94 Wildlife Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    In summary, this paper examines the threats to wildlife in Australia and outlines strategies for managing and preventing […] The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. A home to a great variety of wildlife and endangered species, the Manas Sanctuary is located in the Himalayan foothills, in the far eastern state of Assam.

  22. How to Explode Student Engagement with this Habitat Research Project

    REPEAT. We repeat steps 2-4 for either 3 or 4 animals. Some students may work faster, while some may take a bit more time on each step. I try to adjust the project to be appropriate for the majority of the class. 6. SHARE. When the project is done, I try to find a special way for us to share our work.

  23. Best Animal Research Topics for You

    Simple Animal Topics for Research Papers on Animal Rescue. Animal rescue is an important discussion on animals in recent times. There are mixed submissions about this subject and these discussions have given birth to a lot of controversies. Addressing any of such topics in your research paper writing proves your knowledge about animals.

  24. Researchers Make Mouse Skin Transparent Using a Common Food Dye

    This research is a new application of decades-old equations that can describe the relationship between absorption and refractive index, called the Kramers-Kronig relations. ... The mouse's beating heart and active respiratory system indicated that transparency was successfully achieved in live animals. Furthermore, the dye didn't ...

  25. IVT Course

    It is an excellent opportunity for students aiming for careers in research, veterinary medicine, or laboratory animal science. Course Structure. Format: Combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions. Instructors: Laboratory animal professionals from Rutgers University. Key Skills and Topics Covered

  26. Therap/eutic animal connections: Reassembling our conceptions of

    Drawing on research from a diverse array of fields not commonly referrred to within health understandings (citizen science, leisure, tourism, and volunteer studies) and the growing research on pets and human health, an "animal therap/eutic spectrum" that includes but is not restricted to emerging definitions of AAI can be distinguished.

  27. America's Best Animal Hospitals 2025 Survey

    Newsweek and market research platform Plant-A Insights Group are partnering to create a comprehensive ranking of America's Best Animal Hospitals. This is the first year of the ranking, which aims ...

  28. Chinese farmed fur animals found to harbor dozens of novel viruses

    Unfortunately, most research efforts have hitherto focused on conventional livestock (e.g., cows, goats, and swine), with fur animals (e.g., muskrats, mink, and deer ...