Octodon degus (Molina 1782): A Model in Comparative Biology and Biomedicine

One major goal of integrative and comparative biology is to understand and explain the interaction between the performance and behavior of animals in their natural environment. The Caviomorph, Octodon degus, is a native rodent species from Chile, and represents a unique model to study physiological and behavioral traits, including cognitive and sensory abilities. Degus live in colonies and have a well-structured social organization, with a mostly diurnal–crepuscular circadian activity pattern. More notable is the fact that in captivity, they reproduce and live for between 5 and 7 years and exhibit hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease), diabetes, and cancer.