Mammalogy _________________ ____ Fall 2002

Describe, Compare and Contrast the following features for fossorial and cursorial mammals and explain the significance of each as it enhances the particular locomotor adaptation. If the feature is a fossorial adaptation, explain how it maximizes Force out. If the feature is a cursorial adaptation, explain how it maximizes Velocity out. (4 points each 20 points total)

  1.  Vertebral Column
  2. Sternum
  3. Clavicles
  4. Olecrenon process of the ulna.
  5. Posture

6-10 Define, characterize, and state the significance of any 5 of the following. Where appropriate state what taxon (-a) the term is associated with (as discussed in this class the material covered by the test). (5 points each - 25 points total)

  1. Bergmann's Rule
  2. Echolocation
  3. Eimer's organ
  4. Femalemasculinization
  5. Induced ovulation
  6. Lek
  7. Pectinate tooth comb
  8. Reciprocal altruism
  9. Xenarthrous vertebrae

11-12 Answer any TWO of the of the following (15 points each – 30 points total)

  1. Discuss the adaptions to the cold that occur in molossid bats, sea lions, weasels, and arctic mammals such as wolves or caribou.
  2. Discuss Delayed Implantation. What ecological factors have selected for this reproductive strategy in male, female, and neonate bats? What different ecological factors have been more important in pinnipeds? EXPLAIN.
  3. What physiological changes occur when bears enter winter dormancy? Why are bears not considered to be hibernators. Do the calculations to show that arousal is not possible from true hibernation: Fat provides 9 cal/gram of energy. An average-sized bear weighs 375 kg.
  4. Three taxa that are highly adapted for feeding on termites were discussed as belonging the orders that were covered for this examination. For these three taxa, give the Family, Order, and Zoogeographic distribution. What features do all three have in common. Two of the taxa are very similar to each other. List and discuss the significance of all the convergent characters and adaptations the two have in common. What are the major differences between these two.

13-19 Complete the information in the table below for any SEVEN of the following families given on the answer sheet below and that you have NOT characterized in a previous answer. Information should apply to the family, NOT the order. Five points each. 35 points total Order (½ pt); Zoogeographic Region(s). Note those if known only from a limited subregion, such as Madagascar (½ pt), Diagnostic Characters (2 pts), Adaptations/Behavior/life history (2 pts)

  1. Canidae
  2. Cercopithecidae
  3. Hylobatidae
  4. Lorisidae
  5. Megalonychidae
  6. Phocidae
  7. Phyllostomatidae
  8. Soricidae
  9. Tarsiidae
  10. Tenrecidae
  11. Viverridae