Important in developing vaccines against TB., they were domesticated as a food source in the Andes region around 5000 B.C.

On the January 5, 2026 episode of Jeopardy, contestants were faced with a Final Jeopardy clue in the category “Science.” The clue offered a fascinating intersection between food history and medical science: “Important in developing vaccines against TB., they were domesticated as a food source in the Andes region around 5000 B.C.” This clue challenged contestants to connect ancient agricultural practices with modern medical advancements.

What are guinea pigs?

The correct response to this Final Jeopardy clue is “What are guinea pigs?” While commonly known today as small household pets, guinea pigs have a much deeper historical and scientific significance. Their domestication traces back thousands of years to the Andean region of South America, particularly in modern-day Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. In these regions, guinea pigs were originally raised as a source of food and played a role in traditional rituals and medicine.

Beyond their early agricultural role, guinea pigs have become an essential model organism in scientific research. In particular, they were crucial to the development of vaccines and studies involving infectious diseases, including tuberculosis (TB). Their biological susceptibility to TB made them a valuable subject in laboratory research during the 19th and 20th centuries. This helped scientists observe disease progression and test vaccine candidates long before modern alternatives were available.

The role of guinea pigs in science

Guinea pigs became prominent in medical research largely due to their unique immune system characteristics. Unlike many other rodents, their immune response closely resembles that of humans in certain key respects, particularly when it comes to tuberculosis. In the early 1900s, they were extensively used in TB research, and it was in these animal models that the effectiveness of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine was first confirmed. This vaccine remains the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis today.

Their contribution extends well beyond TB. Guinea pigs have also played a role in the study of scurvy due to their inability to synthesize vitamin C—just like humans. This trait allowed researchers to understand the disease more clearly and eventually led to advancements in nutritional science. Their consistent role in immunology, pharmacology, and toxicology research has made them a mainstay in biomedical labs for over a century.

Historical domestication in the Andes

Archaeological evidence places the domestication of guinea pigs in the Andean highlands around 5000 B.C. Early Andean societies bred them for meat, which remains a part of traditional cuisine in regions of Peru and Bolivia to this day. Known as cuy in Spanish, guinea pigs are still raised for consumption in many rural areas and are celebrated in festivals and local traditions.

In addition to their nutritional role, guinea pigs were also part of spiritual and medical practices in ancient Andean cultures. Healers believed the animals could absorb sickness or negative energy from a person. As a result, guinea pigs were sometimes used in diagnostic rituals before being sacrificed. These cultural roles show how intertwined guinea pigs were with daily life in early South American civilizations.

Their evolving image in modern times

Today, guinea pigs are most commonly associated with domestic pets and classroom science projects. However, their legacy in science and Andean culture continues to be acknowledged. Their use in medical research has declined in favor of mice and other genetically modified organisms, but they remain a valuable symbol of the history of biomedical science.

The clue on Jeopardy highlights how seemingly ordinary animals can hold complex and significant roles across different domains—from early agriculture and food sources to critical contributions in global public health. Guinea pigs have proven to be more than just small mammals; they have been instrumental in advancing human knowledge and wellness over millennia.

Conclusion

This Final Jeopardy clue provided a rich blend of anthropology and science, underscoring the global journey of the guinea pig—from its roots as a domesticated food source in the Andes to its place in the annals of medical research. Recognizing these connections not only rewards scientific curiosity but also broadens understanding of how deeply history and science are intertwined. “What are guinea pigs?” is more than just the right answer—it’s a window into a remarkable story of evolution, culture, and human health.