True or false: Sentinel animals are typically experimental animals undergoing extra testing.

The statement that sentinel animals are typically experimental animals undergoing extra testing is false. Sentinel animals are a specific group of animals used in laboratory settings to monitor the health of other animals in the same facility. They are housed separately from the experimental groups and are not subjected to the same testing protocols as the experimental animals.

The key function of sentinel animals is to provide early warning of potential health issues, such as the presence of pathogens in the environment, by periodically evaluating their health status. By exposing sentinel animals to the same environmental conditions (like housing and bedding) as research subjects, researchers can assess any contagion threats that might impact the research animals. This strategy is vital for maintaining animal welfare and ensuring the validity of experimental results.

In most cases, sentinel animals are not the focus of experiments but serve as indicators of the general health status of the research population. Therefore, the phrase "undergoing extra testing" does not accurately describe their role in a laboratory setting.