Which of the following hormones is commonly detected in pregnancy tests to determine pregnancy in animals?

• A. Thyroxine
• B. Insulin
• C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
• D. Adrenaline

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of the question: Pregnancy tests in animals (and humans) are designed to detect specific hormones that are produced during pregnancy.
2. Review the function of each hormone listed: Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone involved in metabolism, insulin regulates blood sugar levels, adrenaline is a stress hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
3. Recognize that hCG is the hormone specifically associated with pregnancy. It is secreted by the cells of the developing embryo and later by the placenta, making it a reliable marker for pregnancy detection.
4. Learn how pregnancy tests work: These tests typically use antibodies to detect the presence of hCG in urine or blood. If hCG is present, it indicates pregnancy.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), as it is the hormone commonly detected in pregnancy tests for animals and humans.