Weird and Wonderful

'What is the scientific name of the sugar glider?'

Petaurus breviceps

'What are the two main species of hedgehogs likely to be seen in veterinary practice?'

African pygmy hedgehog and European hedgehog

'What is the scientific name of the African pygmy hedgehog?'

Atelerix albiventris

'What is the "wheelbarrow restraint" used for in hedgehogs?'

To examine the ventrum

'How should you handle a sugar glider for examination?'

Carefully with a tea towel

'What is a common warning sign that a skunk may spray?'

Tail elevation and foot stamping

'Why is outdoor consultation often preferred for skunks?'

They can spray up to 6 meters

'What is unique about hedgehog vision?'

It is monochromatic

'What sensory adaptation do primates have for depth perception?'

Forward-facing eyes with binocular vision

'What is the function of the lateral line in fish?'

To detect water movement and vibrations

'What is the mantle in hedgehogs?'

The covering of spines over the head and dorsum

'How many spines does an adult hedgehog typically have?'

Approximately 5,000-7,000

'What is "anting" in hedgehogs?'

A behavior where they rub foamy saliva into their spines in response to novel stimuli

'What is the function of the patagium in sugar gliders?'

To aid in gliding through the forest

'What is unique about the musculature of hedgehogs?'

Complex system of muscles allowing them to roll into a ball

'What bone is typically absent in sugar gliders?'

The patella

'What skeletal adaptation do primates have for increased shoulder and arm mobility?'

Clavicles

'What is unique about wombat teeth?'

Both incisors and molar teeth grow continuously

'What is the normal respiratory rate for a sugar glider?'

16 to 40 breaths per minute

'How do some amphibians perform respiration?'

Through dermal respiration

'What is unique about the heart valves in hedgehogs?'

They are mainly muscular

'What is the heart rate range for a sugar glider?'

200-300 beats per minute

'How many chambers does an anuran heart have?'

Three (two atria, one ventricle)

'What is unique about the gastrointestinal tract of sugar gliders?'

They have an enlarged caecum for microbial fermentation of complex polysaccharides

'What type of stomach do hedgehogs have?'

A simple stomach

'What is unique about macropod dentition?'

They exhibit molar progression

'How many teats does a female hedgehog typically have?'

Five pairs in European hedgehogs, 2-5 pairs in African pygmy hedgehogs

'What is unique about the reproductive cycle of female primates?'

They have a menstrual cycle instead of an estrous cycle

'What is the function of brown fat in hedgehogs?'

Thermoregulation, acts a heat-generating tissue that helps maintain body temperature

'What is the function of the well developed Jacobson's organ in hedgehogs and snakes?'

To enhance their sense of smell by detecting chemical signals and pheromones in the environment

'What is unique about the eyes of anurans?'

They have a nictitating membrane that protects the eye and allows them to see underwater.

'What predisposes hedgehogs to ophthalmic trauma?'

Their prominent eyes and shallow orbits

'What is a common zoonotic concern when handling hedgehogs?'

Dermatophytosis (ringworm)

'What is a potential consequence of improper diet in sugar gliders?'

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism/metabolic bone disease

'What is embryonic diapause in marsupials and why does it occur?'

A pause in embryonic development during pregnancy that allows the mother to conserve resources until environmental conditions are favourable.

'What is the function of the drink patch in anurans?'

To absorb water through the skin

'How do amphibians adapt their nitrogenous waste excretion to their environment?'

They can excrete urea, uric acid, or ammonia depending on how aquatic their environment is