mammals

monotremata

eggs rather than live young

metartheria

underdeveloped offspring that continue development outside of reproductive tract

eutheria

offspring carried in utero until late sage development, placenta

milk composition

water, fats, carbs (lactose), proteins, vitamins, immuno components

pelage

fur/hair

guard hairs, underfur, vibrissae, spines/quills

mammalian synapsids

single dentary bone

jaw to inner ear bones

malleus, incus, stapes

neocortex

outermost region of the cerebral cortex, composed of 6 layers, and sulci/gyri

order Didelphimorphia family Didelphidae

members: VA opossum, water opossum, common opossum

key diagnostic features: prehensile tail, grasping hind feet, 50 teeth

additional facts, largest family of living marsupials, primarily solitary and nocturnal

order Rodentia family Sciuridae

members: e. grey+fox squirrels, chipmunk, woodchuck, prairie dog

key diagnostic features: bushy tail furred base to tip, 5/4 digits, cheek pouches

additional facts: front incisors never stop growing, rotating ankle joints(fall protection)

order Rodentia family Castoridae

members: NA beaver, Eurasian beaver

key diagnostic features: large dorsoventrally flattened tail, densely packed pelage, webbed hind feet

additional facts: orange teeth from iron, can close lips behind incisors

order Lagomorpha family Leporidae

members: e. cottontail, snowshoe hare, European rabbit

key diagnostic features: elongated ears, disproportional hind limbs, furred soles

additional facts: two pairs of incisors, near 360 vision

Order Eulipotyphla

members: shrews, moles, hedgehogs

key diagnostic features: long mobile snouts, reduced eyes and pinnae (nostrils)

additional facts: some shrews are venomous, moles have backward facing palms

order Chiroptera family Vespertilionidae

members: vesper bats

key diagnostic features: plain face (no noseleaf), complete uropatagium and long tail, conspicuous tragus

additional facts: diverse hibernacula(where they sleep) and social organization

order Carnivora family Felidae

members: bobcat, puma, african lions, jaguars

key diagnostic features: retractable claws, digitigrade (walk on toes), forward facing eyes-lithe

additional facts: reduced dentition (teeth), obvious vibrissae

order Carnivora family Canidae

members: coyote, fox, wolf

kdf: elongated tapered snout, unretractable clows, large upright ears

additional facts: deep chest long limbs for endurance

order Carnivora family Ursidae

members: bears

kdf: large robust stocky body structure, no facial vibrissae, plantigrade (whole foot)

additional facts: mostly NE OH, sprint up to 35 mph

order Carnivora family Mustelidae

members: weasels, minks, otters, badgers

kdf: elongated cylindrical bodies, flatted skull, short rostrum, sexual dimorphism in size

additional facts: interlocking jaw, bounding gait

order Carnivora family Mephitidae

members: skunks

kdf: short limbs, arched back, robust and elongated front claws, v shaped striped pelage

additional facts: aposematic warning display, leave small conical holes

order Carnivora family Procyonidae

members: common raccoon, coati, olingo, kinkajou

kdf: prominent facial marking and tail stripes, 5 toed paws, short and broad rostrum

additional facts: washing behavior with food, found near human sites

order Artiodactyla family Cervidae

members: deer, elk, moose

kdf: deciduous bone antlers: even toed ungulates, lack maxillary incisors

additional facts: red-green color blind, rough browsing