study guide 306 mammal lecture exam

mammalian characteristics

• mammary glands

• dentary bones

• inner ear bones

• pinnae—external ears

• endothermy

• torpor—a state of short hibernation

• dental formula—I/I, C/C, P/P, M/M

• neocortex—large, well-developed cerebrum. neocortex folded to increase surface area

• vibrissae—touch via whiskers as tactile sensors

Homeothermy vs.  heterothermy

Homeothermy (endothermy)—constant body temperature (birds and many mammals)

—Advantage: active over greater ranges of temperatures, nocturnal lifestyle

—disadvantage: greater energy demands

heterothermy: can regulate body temperature but also allow environment to affect body temp (bats, amphibians)

—includes daily torpor and hibernation

Plantigrade vs. digitigrade vs. unguligrade locomotion

Plantigrade: walk on flat feet (squirrels)

digitigrade: walk on toes (dog)

unguligrade: walk on hooves (deer)

total number of living mammal species

6,410

total number of living mammal orders

27

first and second most diverse (species rich) mammal orders

1. Rodentia

2. Chiroptera

taxonomic ranks

KPCOFGS

kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species

basic characteristics of living monotremes and marsupials

monotremes

• single opening, cloaca

• long, leathery sensitive snout

• no functional teeth on adults

• epipubic bones present

marsupials

• marsupium (pouch) present

• epipubic bones present

• short gestation prolonged lactation

• small narrow braincase

• 5/4 incisors

global distribution of living monotremes and marsupials

Monotreme: australia, tasmania, new guinea

marsupial: (1) Australia, New Guinea, eastern indonesian islands (2) south, central, and north america

basic characteristics of order Didelphimorphia and Virginia opossum

Didelphimorphia

• opposable hallux on hind feet, prehensile tail

Virginia opossum

• silvery grey fur, nakes ears and tail, sharp saggital crest and tiny brain case. opposable hallux,

distribution of Didelphimorphia and Virginia opossum

Didelphimorphia (american opossums)

• primarily in south and central america, 1 species north of america

Virginia opossum

• eastern US south through central america, introduced to west coast. range expanding northward

define/explain significance: Cloaca

common exterior chamber where digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts empty

define/explain significance: Epipubic bones

help to support the pouch in living mammals, help stiffen the trunk during locomotion and breathing

define/explain significance: Echidna

(family Tachyglossidae) body covered with spines, dig for food, electroreceptors on rostrum

define/explain significance: Platypus

(Family Ornithorhynchidae) single species, aquatic, flexible leathery beak, webbed feet, venomous spurs on males’ legs, eatern australia

define/explain significance: Venomous spur

present in male platypus

define/explain significance: Marsupium

the pouch of the marsupial

define/explain significance: Opposable hallux

on hind feet, help to grasp

define/explain significance: Prehensile tail

a tail adapted to grasp and hold

Compare/contrast

• Monotreme vs. marsupial vs. placental mammal

Monotreme: egg-laying

Marsupial: live-bearing with pouch

Placental mammal: live-bearing with placenta

Know basic characteristics and distribution of orders Cingulata (armadillos)

• south and central america, north to central us (1 species)

• shell composed of bony plates covered with leathery skin

• homodont dentition—simple peg-like

• heavy claws

• most species fossorial (burrow)

Know distribution of order Eulipotyphla (shrews, moles, hedgehogs)

• worldwide except australia and Antarctica

Know characteristics of order Eulipotyphla (shrews, moles, hedgehogs)

• usually small ears and eyes, snout and body

Know basic characteristics and distribution of families Soricidae and Talpidae

Soricidae (true shrews)

• distribution worldwide except australia and antarctica

• small long narrow snout, small eyes and ears

• NO zygomatic arches or auditory bullae on skull

Talpidae (moles, desmans)

• distribution throughout N america and eurasia

• tiny eyes, flattened head, short legs, large claws

• skull flattened, zygomatic arch and auditory bullae present

Know characteristics and distribution of Wisconsin armadillo, shrew, and mole species

• Dasypus novemcinctus—nine-banded armadillo

  • central US to argentina

  • body armor w 9 bands in center

• Sorex cinereus—masked shrew

  • widspread and abundant in moist deciduous and coniferous forests throughout WI and N US

  • gray brown, long tail, 3-4 inches

• Sorex hoyi—pygmy shrew

  • occurs in all but SW WI, canada

  • similar to S. cinereus, only distinguishable by unicuspid teeth, smallest N american mammal (3.1-3.6in)

• Sorex arcticus—arctic shrew

  • boreal forest species at southern limit of its range in WI. and Canada

  • tricolor fur pattern, 4-5in

• Sorex palustris—water shrew

  • special concern species in WI, marshes bogs and streams in northern half of WI

  • large feet w fringe of stiff hairs adapted for swimming,

• Blarina brevicauda—short-tailed shrew

  • throughout WI, midwest and NE US

  • dark fur, large body, short tail, 4.3-5.5in

  • VENOMOUS saliva

• Scalopus aquaticus—eastern mole

  • SW WI, lower midwest and SE US

  • grey brown fur plump body short tail large forelegs and claws, 5.9-7.9in

  • prefers moist sandy loamy soils

• Condylura cristata—star-nosed mole

  • NE WI, E canada and new england

  • tentacles at snout as sensory organ

  • prefers wet soils near water

define/explain significance: Homodont dentition

one type of tooth present only

define/explain significance: Fossorial

burrowing tendencies

define/explain significance: Venomous saliva

short-tailed shrew

define/explain significance: Sensory tentacles

star-nosed mole

Compare/contrast

• Shrew vs. mole

Soricidae (true shrews)

• distribution worldwide except australia and antarctica

• small long narrow snout, small eyes and ears

• NO zygomatic arches or auditory bullae on skull

Talpidae (moles, desmans)

• distribution throughout N america and eurasia

• tiny eyes, flattened head, short legs, large claws

• skull flattened, zygomatic arch and auditory bullae present

Know basic characteristics and global distribution of order Chiroptera

• worldwide except polar regions and highest mountains

• flight, nocturnal activity period, hibernation/daily torpor/migration, k-selected (long life span, low repro rate)

Know benefits of bats to people and ecosystems and negative effects of bats

benefits—pollination, food chain, seed dispersal, keystone species in some tropical forests/caves/deserts, biomedical research, bat guano fertilizer

Negative—disease vectors

define/explain significance: Daily torpor

short term hibernation in which animal’s metabolic rate decreases

define/explain significance: Patagium

membrane of skin located btwn forelimbs and hindlimbs of bat to aid in flight

define/explain significance: Uropatagium

membrane of skin that is located btwn the legs of a bat

define/explain significance: Tragus

flap of skin located before the ear to aid in echolocation

define/explain significance: Calcar

cartilaginous spur located on the uropatagium

define/explain significance: Echolocation

sensory ability for foraging and navigation

define/explain significance: Flying fox

the largest bat species

define/explain significance: White-nose syndrome

deadly fungal infection affecting cave-dwelling bats in eastern US. causes bats to wake up during hibernation and deplete energy reserve

define/explain significance: Barotrauma

internal hemorrhaging caused by quick changes in air pressure usually near wind turbines

Know basic characteristics of family Vespertilionidae (evening/plain-nosed bats)

• largest bat family, mostly small and insectivores

• all 8 bats of wisconsin

• delayed fertilization in females

• daily torpor and hibernation

Know characteristics, distribution, and conservation status of Wisconsin bat species

cave bats

Myotis lucifugus—little brown bat

• threatened in WI, abundant statewide

• relatively short ears and tragus, naked uropatagium

Myotis septentrionalis —northern long-eared bat

• threatened in WI, endangered in US, abundant statewide

• brown, long ears, long tragus abt 50% of ear height

Perimyotis subflavus—ricolored bat

• threatened WI, abundant W WI

• smallest WI bat (4-7g), black/yellow/brown fur

Eptesicus fuscus—big brown bat

• threatened WI, abundant statewide

• large, dark brown fur, 15-24g

tree bats

Nycticeius humeralis—evening bat

• new species to WI (2016), S/SE WI

• short tragus less than 30% ear, single incisor

Lasiurus borealis—eastern red bat

• abundant statewide

• reddish fur, sexually dimorphic, furred uropatagium

Lasiurus cinereus—hoary bat

• abundant statewide

• largest WI bat (23-35g), furred uropatagium, gray fur white tips

Lasionycteris noctivagans—silver-haired bat

• WI special concern, abundant statewide but most common N

• dark silver tipped fur, mostly unfurred uropatagium

define/explain significance: Delayed feritilization

mate in fall and store sperm in repro tract, hibernate, then fertilize in spring

Compare/contrast

• Cave bats vs. tree bats

Cave bats—hibernate 6 months, raise young in colonies, usually single young, overwinter in WI

tree bats—migrate south in fall, may hibernate for short periods, solitary while raising young, bear 1-3 young

Know basic characteristics and global distribution of order Lagomorphs and family Leporidae

Lagomorphs

• native to all continents except antarctica and australia

• small to medium sized, short or rudimentary tail, long soft fur with fully furred feet, r-selected

• 2nd pair of peglike incisors behind 1st pair, rostral fenestration, no canines, diastema

Leporidae (rabbits and hares)

• native to all continents except antarctica and australia

• long ears, large hind feet, short tail

Know characteristics and distribution of Wisconsin lagomorph species

Lepus americanus—snowshoe hare

• N half of WI

• seasonal molt, brown fur in warm season and then white in winter

Sylvilagus floridanus—Eastern cottontail

• abundant statewide but scarce in N

• buffy brown fur, white belly, rufaus nape

Oryctolagus cuniculus—European rabbit

• scattered records in WI

• greyish brown fur, rufaus nape, black on top of tail

• perforations on top and back of skull

• live in warrens—colonial burro

Know benefits of lagomorphs to people and ecosystems and negative effects of lagomorphs

benefits—hunting, fur trapping, popular pets, research

Negative—damage to vegetation at farms gardens nurseries

define/explain significance: Rostral fenestration

holes in bone to allow for lighter weight and faster movement

define/explain significance: Diastema

gap btwne the insicors and premolars

define/explain significance: Coprophagy (aka cecotrophy)

eating of their own feces in order to help with digestion

define/explain significance: Pika

Family Ochotonidae, distribution Asia and NA, short ears, short limbs, no visible tail, american pika located in western mountains

define/explain significance: Induced ovulation

ovulation begins after breeding w a male

define/explain significance: Precocial

born to be semi self-sufficient

define/explain significance: Altricial

born helpless and need a lot of care

define/explain significance: 10-year cycle

rapid increase then decline of snowshoe hares

define/explain significance: Warren

colonial burrow systems

Compare/contrast

• Hare vs. rabbit

Hare

• NO rufaus nape, precocial young, typically solitary, long legs and ears

Rabbit

• shorter legs and ears, altricial young, varying degrees of sociality

Know basic characteristics and global distribution of order Rodential

• present except in antarctica, new zealand, and some oceanic islands

• large chisel like continuously growing incisors, most have altricial young, r-selected

Know benefits of rodents to people and ecosystems and negative effects of rodents

benefits—food source, pets, fur industry, seed dispersal

negative—damage to crops and trees, chewing on wires and structures, 10-20% food supply damaged or contaminated by rats and mice

define/explain significance: Ecosystem engineer

provide habitat for overs, burrows help turn over and fertilize soil

define/explain significance: Sylvatic plague

flea disease

define/explain significance: Hantavirus

rodent feces carry airborne particles that cause sickness when breathed in

Know basic characteristics of Wisconsin rodent families, including Sciuridae, Castoridae, Geomyidae, Cricetidae, Muridae, Zapodidae, and Erethizontidae

• Sciuridae = squirrels (10 spp.)—4 digits on forefoot 5 on hindfoot, prominent postorbital process on skull

• Castoridae = beavers (1 sp.)

• Geomyidae = pocket gophers (1 sp.)

• Cricetidae = New World rats, mice, voles, and lemmings (9 spp.)

• Muridae = Old World rats and mice (2 spp.)

• Zapodidae = jumping mice (2 spp.)

• Erethizontidae = New World porcupines (1 sp.)

Know characteristics and distribution of Wisconsin rodent species

Marmota monax—woodchuck or groundhog

• abundant statewide

• bushy tail short legs round ears cat size

Ictidomys tridecemlineatus—thirteen-lined ground squirrel

• abundant statewide but more in S WI

• tan and dark brown alternating stripes w rows of spots, thin tail small ears

Poliocitellus franklinii—Franklin’s ground squirrel

• WI special concern,S and W abundant

• brown grey fur w flecking, small ears moderate bushy tail

Tamias striatus—eastern chipmunk

• abundant statewide

• cheek pouches, 4 upper cheek teeth, stripes do not extend to tail, reddish rump

Neotamias minimus—least chipmunk

• N half of WI

• small, stripes extend to tail, 5 upper cheek teeth

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus --red squirrel

• abundant but uncommon in S WI

• red black grey, grey sides, white belly and white eye ring, smaller than other tree squirrels

Sciurus carolinensis—eastern gray squirrel

• statewide abundant

• mostly grey, white belly, white behind ears, white tipped hairs on tail

Sciurus niger—eastern fox squirrel

• statewide but uncommon in N WI

• large size, brown fur mixed w black, dull orange belly and tail, tan back

Glaucomys volans—southern flying squirrel

• southern half but expanding north

• patagium, large eyes, flattened tail, white belly

Glaucomys sabrinus—northern flying squirrel

• special concern WI, N half only

• belly hairs grey at base white at tip

Castor canadensis—American beaver

• abundant statewide

• large body flat naked tail webbed hind feet

Geomys bursarius—Plains pocket gopher

• western distribution

• cheek pouches, tiny eyes and ears, long claws on forefeet, short bare tail

Reithrodontomys megalotis—western harvest mouse

• special concern WI, SW distribution

• thinly haired tail shorter than body slightly, white feet

Peromyscus maniculatus —deer mouse

• subspecies P.m. gracilis and bairdii

  • bairdii special concern WI S half

  • gracillis N half

• brown back, white belly bicolored furry tail large eyes large ears

Peromyscus leucopus—white-footed mouse

• abundant statewide

• white feet and belly

Synaptomys cooperi—southern bog lemming

• rare and elusive statewide

• brown grizzled fur tail roughly same length as hind feet, outer edge of upper incisor grooved

Clethrionomys gapperi—southern red-backed vole

• all state but S most

• rusty stripe down center of back

Microtus ochrogaster—prairie vole

• special concern WI, SW abundant

• tannish belly grizzled fur on back, 4 loops on second molar

Microtus pennsylvanicus—meadow vole

• abundant statewide

• silvery grey belly, ungrizzled back, 5 loops on second molar

Microtus pinetorum—woodland vole

• special concern, few known occurances. SW

• reddish fur short tail

Ondatra zibethicus—muskrat

• statewide

• large w naked laterally flat tail

Rattus norvegicus—Norway rat

• statewide where ppl live (non-native)

• aka brown rat sewer rat street rat

• naked tail large naked ears

Mus musculus—house mouse

• statewide where ppl live (non-native)

• long naked tail and naked ears

Zapus hudsonius—meadow jumping mouse

• abundant statewide

• tail longer than head and body, large hind legs bark brown back yellow sides, 4 upper cheek teeth

Napaeozapus insignis—woodland jumping mouse

• special concern WI, N most and rare

• bright orange sides, white tipped tail, 3 upper cheek teeth

Erethizon dorsatum (family Erethizontidae)—North American porcupine

• N and central

• large chunky covered in quills, large infraorbital foramen

define/explain significance: Scatter hoarder

hides food in multiple locations to prep for winter

define/explain significance: 4-year population cycle

drastic increase and decrease of vole populations in finland

define/explain significance: Human commensal

live in close association w huumans

define/explain significance: Saltation

jumping

define/explain significance: Hystricomorph rodent

cavy-like rodent

Compare/contrast

• Ground squirrel vs. tree squirrel vs. flying squirrel vs. chipmunk

Compare/contrast

• Gliding mammal (e.g., flying squirrel, flying lemur, etc.) vs. flying mammal (e.g., bat)

Compare/contrast

• Pocket gopher vs. mole

Compare/contrast

• Mouse vs. vole

Compare/contrast

• New World rats and mice vs. Old World rats and mice vs. jumping mice

Compare/contrast

• Muskrat vs. beaver

Know basic characteristics and global distribution of order Carnivora

• worldwide, introduced to Australia

• developed claws, 5 toes on each foot, acute eyesigh hearing sense of smell, forward facing eyes, adapted for speed and agility, large brain, rooted teeth, well developed baculum

Know characteristics of Wisconsin carnivore families, including Mustelidae, Mephitidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae, Canidae, and Felidae

• Mustelidae = weasel family (9 spp.)—long bodies short legs and short rostrum

• • Mephitidae = skunk family (2 spp.)

• • Procyonidae = raccoon family (1 sp.)

• • Ursidae = bear family (1 sp.)

• • Canidae = dog family (4 spp.)

• • Felidae = cat family (3 spp.)

Know characteristics, distribution, and conservation status of Wisconsin carnivore species

Mustela nivalis—least weasel

• special concern, rare statewide

• smallest carnivore, brown back in summer and white in winter, no black tip tail

Mustela richardsonii—American ermine

• statewide

• black tip tail, brown summer white body winter

Neogale frenata—long-tailed weasel

• statewide, more common S

• brown back and yellow belly summer white winter

Neogale vison = American mink

• statewide

• thick dark brown fur white chin, semi aquatic

Martes americana = American marten

• endangered WI, N forests. was extirpated then reintroduced

• golden brown fur dakr legs and tail

Martes foina = beech marten, stone marten

• SE

• dark brown back, white bib

Pekania pennanti = fisher

• N half of state, extirpated then successfully reintroduced

• dark brown fur 31-42in

Taxidea taxus = American badger

• statewide but status poorly known

• stocky grey back black and white face

Lontra canadensis = northern river otter

• statewide

• sleek brown fur webbed feet thick tail

Mephitis mephitis = striped skunk

• statewide

• mostly black w 2 broad white stripes

Spilogale putorius = spotted skunk

• SW few records

• 4+ lines of broken stripes or spots

Procyon lotor = raccoon

• statewide

• stout body black mask banded tail

Ursus americanus—American black bear

• N but spreading S

• black fur brown muzzle

Canis latrans = coyote

• statewide

• medium size, long legs, small feet, large ears

Canis lupus = gray wolf

• N and C

• large, v long legs, large feet, ears smaller relative to head

Vulpes vulpes = red fox

• statewide

• white tipped tail and black legs

Urocyon cinereoargenteus = gray fox

• uncommon statewide

• grizzled grey back, orange sides, black stripe on back and tail and black tail tip

Puma concolor = mountain lion, cougar

• extirpated in WI in 1910ish. increasing number of sightings

• large tan color black tip tail no ear tufts

Lynx rufus = bobcat

• N half, uncommon

• tan/grey/reddish fur w spots, small ear tufts, black tail above only

Lynx canadensis = Canada lynx

• special concern WI, few records. federal status threatened

• greyish brown fur, long legs large feet long ear tufts all black tail tip

Know benefits of carnivores to people and ecosystems and negative effects of carnivores

benefits— keystone species, trophic cascades, top down prey populations, pets

negative—livestock harm and crop harm, vectors for rabies

define/explain significance: Carnassial pair

4th upper PM and 1st lower M

define/explain significance: Baculum

penis bone

define/explain significance: Trophic cascade

impact of predators on prey down the food chain

define/explain significance: Keystone species

a species that has its environment heavily rely on

define/explain significance: Delayed implantation

the embryo delays before implantation

define/explain significance: Aposematic coloration

a signal in coloration of the danger of poison if eaten

define/explain significance: Extirpated

destroying of a population

define/explain significance: Delisted

taken off of conservation watch list

Compare/contrast

• Retractile vs. non-retractile claws

feliformia (cat-like) retractable claws

Caniformia (dog-like) non-retractable claws

Compare/contrast

• Delayed implantation vs. delayed fertilization

Delayed implantation" refers to a delay in the process of a fertilized egg attaching to the uterine wall after conception, while "delayed fertilization" means a delay in the sperm reaching and fusing with the egg, essentially postponing the moment of fertilization itself

Compare/contrast

• Hibernation vs. winter torpor

Compare/contrast

• Carnivore vs. omnivore

Compare/contrast

• Active pursuit vs. ambush predator

pursuit predators actively chase their prey, while ambush predators wait for the perfect moment to attack from hiding. 

Compare/contrast

• Wolf vs. coyote

Compare/contrast

• Bobcat vs. lynx

bobcat tan

lynx grey, cold climate

Compare/contrast

• Canid vs. felid

felid

• retractable claws, shorter rostrum, fewer teeth

• more carnivorous

• includes cats, hyenas, mongooses, civets, etc.

Canid

• non-retractable claws, longer rostrum, more teeth

• more omnivorous

• includes dogs, bears, raccoons, weasels, skunks, seals, walrus, etc

• active pursuit predators

Know basic characteristics and global distribution of order Artiodactyla (even toed ungulates)

• worldwide except antarct and aust

• mostly herbivore, large bodied, 2-4 toes (2 on hoof and 2 dew claws)

Know characteristics of families Suidae, Bovidae, and Cervidae

Suidae—wild boar

Bovidae—cattle sheep goats, permanent unbranching horns

cervidae—deer

Know characteristics and subgroups of camelids and cetaceans

cetaceans—whales and dolphins

camelids—specialized feet, ruminating stomachs

Know characteristics, distribution, and conservation status of Wisconsin Artiodactyla species

Odocoileus virginianus = white-tailed deer

• statewide

• brown or grey underside of tail is white

Alces alces = moose

• extirpated by early 1900s, reappeared following reintroduction to N most WI pop <50

• Horse size, long legs, massive antlers

Cervus canadensis = elk, wapiti

• special concern WI, extirpated by 1900 but reintroduced in NW and central

Bison bison = American bison

• extirpated in 1832, raised for meat on ranches currently

• largest N american land mammal