Wildlife_Ecology_Exam_Review

Age Determination

Methods used to estimate the age of wildlife through physical characteristics such as teeth wear or antler size.

Sex Determination in Frogs

In bullfrogs, comparing the size of the tympanic membrane to the eye diameter; males are generally larger.

Sagittal Crest

A ridge of bone running along the midline of the skull, which develops based on the age of an animal.

Carnivorean Lethargy

A unique form of dormancy in black bears lasting from early November to mid-April, during which they do not eat, drink, or defecate.

Gestation Period in Beavers

The gestation lasts from 107 to 128 days, typically occurring during May or June.

Baculum

Also known as os penis, a bone present in many mammalian species useful for determining sex and age in certain animals.

Muskrat Pelt Primeness

A prime fur characterized by thick, dense underfur that insulates the animal during winter.

White-Tailed Deer Lifespan

Typically lives 3-6 years in the wild and can reach 23 years in captivity.

Monogamous Pairing in Muskrats

Muskrats generally form lifelong pairs, though litters may have offspring from multiple males.

Antler Classes in Moose

Different classifications of moose antlers based on size and structure, used for aging and sex determination.

Factors Leading to Bear Mortality

Young bears primarily die from malnutrition, while adult deaths are often related to human activity.

Key Habitat of Moose

Inhabits boreal forests, often found near water bodies and shrubby areas.

Life History of Black Bear

Breeds every two years with cubs born in January or February, weaned by September.

Hunting Characteristics of Upland Game

Includes species like quail and grouse, with specific molting patterns used to determine age.

Hemipenes

The reproductive organs of male snakes and lizards, playing a role in mating.

Reproductive Biology Cycle

Stages include anestrus, proestrus, estrus, and diestrus in female mammals.

Ruffed Grouse Age Determination

Outer primary feather shape and wear indicate age; smooth, rounded feathers suggest adulthood.

Beaver Lodge Construction

Beavers build lodges using logs, sticks, and mud, featuring underwater entrances for predator protection.

American Woodcock Sexual Dimorphism

Females are larger with longer bills; males have thinner primary feathers.

Black Bear Feeding Patterns

Primarily consists of carrion, fruits, and occasionally prey; exhibit seasonal changes in diet.

Invasive Species Impact

Invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native species, and cause significant ecological and economic harm.

Mammalian Hibernation

A state of inactivity and metabolic depression in mammals, often occurring during winter months.

Beaver Ecosystem Services

Beavers create wetlands that improve water quality, support biodiversity, and mitigate flooding.

Frog Calls and Breeding

Male frogs call to attract mates; calls vary by species and are key for species identification.

Animal Tracking Techniques

Methods used to follow animal trails, including track patterns, scat analysis, and environmental cues.

Antler Growth Cycle

Antlers typically grow in spring, harden in summer, and are shed in winter, influenced by hormonal changes.

Wildlife Corridor,

A designated area that connects wildlife habitats, facilitating species movement and genetic exchange.

Predator-Prey Dynamics

The relationship between predators and their prey that shapes population dynamics and ecosystem structure.

Breeding Season in Moose

Occurs during the fall, with gestation lasting about 230 days, leading to calves born in late spring.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

The process of caring for injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat.