What limitation is associated with animal models in research?

Animal models in research serve a crucial role in understanding biological processes and testing new treatments. However, a significant limitation is that they can sometimes fail to accurately predict human reactions. This is due to the inherent biological differences that exist between species, including differences in metabolism, genetics, and immune responses. These discrepancies can lead to situations where a treatment that is effective in an animal model does not yield the same results in human trials, or vice versa.

Understanding this limitation is essential for researchers as it highlights the importance of using complementary approaches, such as in vitro studies or human clinical trials, alongside animal testing to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how a treatment will perform in humans. This insight also underscores the necessity of continuously refining research methodologies and models to improve predictive validity in preclinical studies.