Which term is defined in the Guide as "an aversive state in which an animal fails to cope or adjust to various stressors with which it is presented"?

The term defined in the Guide as "an aversive state in which an animal fails to cope or adjust to various stressors with which it is presented" is distress. This definition highlights the inability of an animal to effectively manage the stressors it encounters, leading to a negative emotional and physiological state. Distress is recognized as a significant concern in the field of IACUC administration, as it emphasizes the importance of assessing animal welfare. Recognizing and addressing distress is crucial for the ethical and humane treatment of animals in research settings.

In contrast, a stressor refers to any external factor that can induce stress in an animal, but it does not specifically address the animal's inability to cope with these factors. Immobility might be a response to stress but does not encompass the broader emotional state of distress. Pain specifically relates to a physical suffering or discomfort, which is also an important consideration but distinct from the concept of distress that includes emotional and psychological aspects alongside physical responses. Thus, the focus on the inability to cope or adjust firmly aligns with the definition of distress.