Fall 2006 - Exam 2

Multiple choice, Select the best answer. 2 points each

  1. Which trait is unique to primates?
  2. Neotony has been used to explain the evolution of
  3. Which family of mammals cannot rotate their hindlimbs forward
  4. This family has tribosphenic molars
  5. This family is restricted to the West Indies (e.g., Cuba)
  6. Some members of this family produce a neurotoxic saliva.
  7. A member of this African family is an ecomorph of otters
  8. Vertebrae with extra articulations are characteristic of this order
  9. An nose leaf is used for
  10. A low metabolic rate is characteristic of mammals that are
  11. Which of the following families has expanded its range northward the most in the past 100 years?
  12. Which of the following is an adaptation to running in mammals?
  13. Which of the following is not a characteristic of the New World monkeys?
  14. Which cat that has not been documented in Texas since the 1950's has been photographed in New Mexico this year
  15. Civets are economically valuable because of their
  16. The fossa (Cryptoprocta) of Madagascar is a __ ecomorph
  17. The mammal family that includes the best brachiators
  18. This primate family has recently become feral in Texas
  19. Toxins in cycad seeds
  20. Hyenas are most closely related to
  21. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of bats?
  22. Delayed implantation of the embryo allows pinnipeds to
  23. Bats that have high aspect ratio wings would most likely forage
  24. The principle advantage of high frequency (vs. low) sound in bat echolocation is that
  25. Complex bacula and other penis structures in mammals may be related to

 

List 3 FAMILIES and their ORDERS from three different orders that have specializations for feeding on ants and termites (3 points)

What is the main advantage for feeding on ants and termites that has caused it to evolve in so many orders of mammals (3 points)

Discuss the ulna as a lever in a mole. Use illustrations and mathematical formulae to show how its proportions (distance in and out) and force in affect force out. (5 points)

Which teeth form the carnassial pair in the Order Carnivora? (2 points)

What is the advantage of delayed fertilization for male bats (4 points)

Why is the sea otter considered a keystone species (4 points)

Is Bergman’s Rule a rule? Explain (4 points)

For bears, do the calculations to show how much fat would be required to raise the temperature of a 250 kg hibernating bear from 7 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius. Fat provides 9 cal/gram of energy. (5 extra credit points)

For each of the following Orders, SELECT A FAMILY OF YOUR CHOICE and characterize it (information such as diagnostic characters, distribution, behavior, reproduction, life history, dietary and locomotor specializations, conservation issues). You can use families from any of the above questions if you want but DO NOT REPEAT ANY INFORMATION that was included in any previous question or answer or I will deduct points. (5 points each, 25 points total)

  1. Insectivora
  2. Xenarthra
  3. Carnivora
  4. Primates
  5. Pick a DIFFERENT order and select another family