Animal Science Specialist Certification Practice Test

A common sign of stress in animals is reflected in both loss of appetite and increased vocalization. Stress can cause significant physiological and behavioral changes in animals, leading to decreased food intake as a stress response. When an animal experiences stress, its body might release hormones such as cortisol, which can suppress appetite.

In addition to changes in eating behavior, vocalization can also increase as a response to stress. Animals might vocalize more when they are anxious or in distress, using sounds as a means of communication to express discomfort or to signal distress to others.

Thus, both loss of appetite and vocalization are recognized indicators of stress, making the combination of the two the most comprehensive representation of how stress manifests in animals.