Mammalogy  Fall 2002 - Exam 3

Answer any 75 points of the following (A to V). NOTE: the more points a question is worth, a longer and more detailed answer is expected.

  1. List and discuss the various anatomical specializations for processing plant matter in the Equidae. (5 points)
  2. Why are zebras able to be so abundant in Africa in spite of competition with bovids? (10 points)
  3. Why are there so many species of bovids in Africa? Discuss all of the different factors that promote this high diversity among the different species of bovids. (15 points)
  4. Why are cetaceans considered to be artiodactyls? (5 points)
  5. Why do gray whales migrate from the Arctic to Baja? Discuss what are the advantages of each region to the whales and why they then migrate. (5 points)
  6. Explain the problems with thermoregulation faced by grey whales in the Arctic and in Baja and how they cope with these problems. (10 points)
  7. Discuss Diet; Locomotor and Feeding Adaptations; and Conservation Status of Right Whales (5 points).
  8. Discuss Diet; Locomotor and Feeding Adaptations; and Conservation Status of Minke Whales (5 points).
  9. Discuss Diet; Locomotor and Feeding Adaptations; and Conservation Status of Stellar's Sea Cow. (5 points).
  10. Discuss the transmission and reasons for the evolution of infrasound in whales and elephants (10 points).
  11. Discuss five most important anatomical or physiological specializations that allow Cetaceans to remain submerged for long periods of time. Explain how each is an adaptation for extended submergence (10 points)
  12. Define and state the significance to mammalogy as discussed in lecture of UP TO ANY SIX of the following. State what taxon (-a) the term is associated with and /or give examples of members of this taxon. (5 points each-no more than 30 points)
  13.  Cucumis humifructus
  14. Graviportal
  15. Melon
  16. Musth
  17. Ossicone
  18. Pacing
  19. Pachyostosis
  20. Telescoping
  21. Unguligrade
  22. Vestigial pelvis 

 

2. 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 of FAMILY (2 pts), Adaptations/Behavior/Life history /Conservation Status of FAMILY (2 pts).

  1. Camelidae
  2. Cervidae 
  3. Hippopotamidae 
  4. Macroscelidae 
  5. Rhinoceratidae 
  6. Physeteridae
  7. Procaviidae 
  8. Suidae 
  9. Tapiridae 
  10. Tayassuidae 
  11. Trichechidae