Mammalogy Fall 2003 - Exam 3

 1. Answer any 35 points of the following. NOTE: the more points a question is worth, a longer and more detailed answer is expected.

  1. What (explain why) are the two most important lines of evidence that indicates whales are Artiodactyla? (5 points)
  2. Diagnose and characterize the natural distribution and diversity of the Suidae and Tayassidae. How are suids and tayassuids able to coexist where they co-occur. (10 points).
  3. How does the skull of cetaceans differ from that of other mammals? Why is it differrent? Discuss the mechanics of echolocation in dolphins, including how it is produced focused and received. (10 points).
  4. How do hindgut fermentors differ from foregut fermentors? What are the main advantages that large hindgut fermentors have over foregut fermentors? (5 points)
  5. What are the most important adaptations for cursorial locomotion in ungulates? Include a discussion of the the morphology and relative proportions of the ulna. Use illustrations and mathematical formulae to show how functions as a lever and how it maximizes velocity. (15 points)
  6. Name (genus, species, and common name) and characterize the five species of cervids native to North America.(10 points)
  7. What are the major similarities between the Cetacea and Sirenia? What are the major differences? [discuss morphology, distribution, diet, adaptations, etc. Do not repeat information from any previous question you may have answered.] (10 points)

2.    Define and state the significance to mammalogy as discussed in lecture of ANY FIVE of the following. State what taxon (-a) the term is associated with and /or give examples of members of this taxon. (5 points each 25 points)

  1. Bradycardia
  2. Copraphagy
  3. Countercurrent in the tongue
  4. Infrasound
  5. Irish elk
  6. Mesaxonic foot
  7. Myoglobin
  8. SOFAR Channel
  9. Tooth replacement in elephants.

 

3.    25 points Complete the information in the table below for any FIVE 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. 25 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 /Conservation Status (2 pts).

  1. Antilocapridae
  2. Bovidae
  3. Equidae
  4. Giraffidae
  5. Macroscelidae
  6. Moschidae
  7. Procaviidae
  8. Tapiridae

4.    25 points--Choose ANY 5 of the mammalian taxa given below and complete the information in the table. 5 points each. Order (½ pt); Diet (1 pt);; Locomotor and Feeding Adaptations (2½ pt); Conservation Status of Taxon(a) (1 pt) [discuss numbers, causes, management efforts, how species differ, etc.] ORDER Family Zoogeographic province(s) Diagnostic Characteristic(s) of FAMILY Adaptation(s)/Life history/Behavior/Conservation Status of FAMILY

  1. African Rhinoceratidae
  2. Asian and African Elephantidae
  3. Hippopotamatidae
  4. Humpback whale
  5. Minke Whale
  6. Oryctoropidae
  7. Right Whale
  8. Sperm whale