Why does the CNPRC primarily use rhesus monkeys?
A. Rhesus monkeys, one of the most common species used in biomedical research, share about 93 percent of their genes with humans. Rhesus monkeys offer many advantages because of their close similarity to humans. For example, lung development in monkeys closely parallels human lung development, allowing researchers to study asthma and the effects of secondhand tobacco smoke.
Rhesus monkeys, one of the most common species used in biomedical research, share about 93 percent of their genes with humans. They are also widely used because they breed well in captivity. Rhesus monkeys offer many advantages because of their close similarity to humans. For example, lung development in primates closely parallels human lung development, allowing researchers to study asthma and the effects of secondhand tobacco smoke.
