Mammalogy Fall 2003 - Exam 2

1-2 Answer any TWO of the of the following (15 points each – 30 points total)

1. What physiological changes occur when bears enter winter dormancy? How do hibernating bats differ from bears? For bears, do the calculations to show that and explain why arousal is not possible from true hibernation: Fat provides 9 cal/gram of energy. An average-sized bear weighs 375 kg.
2. List three of the families of mammals from three different orders that occur mainly or exclusively on Madagascar. For each state the order the family belongs to. Briefly characterize each FAMILY and discuss the natural history of each.
3. For the Dasypodidae, characterize and discuss past and recent distribution, morphology, dietary adaptations, reproduction and other interesting features of the life history.
4. Bats can have highly developed social organization. Discuss and explain the social systems found in the Old World Fruit bat Hypsignathus and in vampire bats.
5. Discuss the morphology, social organization, behavior, and other aspects of life history and reproduction in Crocuta, the spotted hyenea.

3-9 Define, characterize, and state the significance of any 7 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). Use illustrations where appropriate (5 points each - 35 points total)

6. Allen’s Rule
7. Aspect ratio
8. Folivory
9. Induced ovulation
10. Keeled sternum
11. Keystone species
12. Neurotoxin
13. Postpartum estrus
14. Regional heterothermy
15. Sexual dimorphism
16. Vermiform tongue
17. Vertical clinging and leaping

10 Compare the morphology and relative proportions of the ulna in a mole and cheetah. Use illustrations and mathematical formulae to show they function as levers and how they are modified to affect force out and velocity. (10 points)

11-17 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); Zoogeog. 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).