Mammals

identify the diagnostic traits of mammals

1. endothermic

2. internal fetilization

3. 4-chambered heart

4. mammary glands/milk*

5. hair* 

6. heterodont dentition*

Monotremes

lay eggs and produce milk

Marsupials

pouched

Placental

placenta (internal fertilization and livebirth)

Describe the differences among mammalian teeth as related to diet

Insectivores: sharp, pointed teeth

Carnivores: large canines, sharp, pointed molars, includes carnassial teeth

Herbivores: diastema and flat, cheek teeth

Omnivores: have all teeth types 

Identify the evolutionary advantages of placental reproduction

1. protection of the developing fetus from environmental hazards and predation

2. ability to produce larger, more developed offspring with higher survival rates

Identify the evolutionary advantages of heterodont dentition

enabling the specialization of teeth for different functions like cutting, crushing and grinding

discuss the characteristics of dominance hierarchies 

1. rank orderings of individuals 

2. rankings reduce conflict, stabilizes group

3. best genes are passed on

4. increases strength of group over time

discuss the characteristics of matriarchies

1. social organization centered around female lineage

2. dominant female rules

3. most are her offspring, sisters, their offspring

describe the diving adaptations of marine mammals

physiological and anatomical changes to manage pressure and conserve oxygen

Attributes of order carnivora 

1. well developed claws

2. anal scent glands

3. Carnassial teeth

4. strong hinge joint in jaw

Attributes of Order Rodentia

1. enlarged, ever-growing incisors

2. no canines, have diastema

3. short gestation but large litters

4. important prey species in ecosystems

Attributes of marine mammals

1. large body for small surface to volume

2. retains heat

3. blubber

4. underfur

5. echolocation

6. reduce blood flow to flippers

Explain how echolocation works

use the melon, lipid rich structure in forehead, sends broadband pulses into aquatic environment. Pulses propagate from dolphin’s melon in a narrow beam, echoes are received via the lower jaw, signal sent to the brain. Helps dolphins determine how far away the fish is and in what direction

compare dominance hierarchies and matriarchies

Dominance Hierarchies: male dominated

Matriarchies: female dominated, kick males out