Mammalogy Unit 2 Lecture - Control systems and Biological rhythms

Homeostasis

Body systems function to regulate the internal environment, 3 major processes

Hearing

One of the most prominent senses in Mammals

Pinnae

External ears, aid in focus and direct sound

Inner Ear

Aid in balance (Semicircular canals), Hearing (Stapes, incus, maleus)

Olfaction

One of the most prominent senses in mammals (Locating food, social relationships, odor producing glands)

The five basic classes of taste

Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami

Vibrissae

Modified hairs (whiskers), tactile reception

Nocturnal Vision

Lens and cornea closer to the retina, more rods than cones

Diurnal Vision

Lens and cornea further from retina, More cones than rods

Central nervous system

Expansion of cerebral hemisphere, allows for more storage area and better information integration (unique to mammals)

Hypothalamic-Pituitary system

Master control mechanism for endocrine system, receives neural input, sends signals to posterior pituitary

Is the Immune system of mammals more or less complex than other vertebrates?

More complex

Circadian rhythms

The bodies 24hr biological clock

Diurnal

Active during the day

Nocturnal

Active during the night

Crepuscular

Active at dawn and dusk

What is the primary cue (Zeitgeber) for the circadian rhythm of mammals?

Photoperiod (How long light lasts)

Circannual rhythm

The bodies yearly biological clock (Controls Hibernation, breeding, and annual molt cycles)

Ultradian rhythm

Occur in less than 24hrs, can be based on feeding or sociality