2025_R1_The_Only_Ones_MMMAGAZINE

Addax vs. Grant's Golden Mole

Addax (_____________________)

• Size and Weight: Largest male weighs up to _____ and has horns that spiral three times to a length of 3.5 feet.

• Physical Features: Males possess larger spiral horns; females are slightly smaller but also have horns.

• Habitat: Found in the _____________ in the Republic of Niger, known for its vast dune fields.

• Adaptations: Unique hoof structure, shaped like a half moon, helps traverse the shifting sands.

Grant's Golden Mole (Eremitalpa granti)

• Size and Weight: The smallest golden mole, measuring 0.07 lbs (35g).

• Physical Features: Has the longest, softest fur of pale grayish-yellow with a silvery sheen.

• Habitat: Resides in the Namib Desert; adapted to hunt underground.

• Sensing Abilities: Lacks eyes; hunts by detecting vibrations in the sand, effectively "sand-swimming" to locate prey.

Battle Outcome

• Event Summary: As Grant's Golden Mole hunts, it surfaces to capture a desert beetle just as the Addax walks by, but tragically gets crushed by the Addax's hoof.

• Winner: Addax defeats Grant’s Golden Mole.

March Mammal Madness Overview

• Introduction: March Mammal Madness is an educational initiative created annually featuring unique combat scenarios between mammals.

• Organizational System: Organisms are classified under the hierarchy: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species, which can be remembered using the mnemonic: "Do Keep Pond Clean Or Frog Gets Sick."

• Division Overview: This year’s division features mammals that are the only living species of their genus, showcasing evolutionary uniqueness.

Puma vs. Star-nosed Mole

Puma (Puma concolor)

• Size and Weight: Weighs 265 lbs, measuring about 7'10" in length and nearly 3 ft in height.

• Distribution: Found throughout the Americas, also known as cougar or mountain lion.

• Behavior: Typically smaller in size near the equator, exhibiting Bergmann's rule.

Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata)

• Size and Weight: Weighs 2.65 oz and measures 8" long.

• Physical Features: Identified by the distinctive sensory organ encircling its nose with 22 finger-like tendrils.

• Hunting Technique: Locates grubs using tendrils and reacts rapidly (120 ms) to grab prey.

Battle Outcome

• Event Summary: As the Star-nosed Mole hunts, it is abruptly translocated and discovers the Puma, creating a dangerous scenario.

• Winner: Puma defeats Star-nosed Mole.

Saiga vs. Woolly Giant Rat

Saiga (Saiga tatarica)

• Size: Stands about 31.5 inches tall and weighs approximately 99 lbs.

• Physical Features: Characterized by long horns (up to 16 inches for males).

• Behavior: Grazes on lichen and wormwood during winter.

Woolly Giant Rat (Kunsia tomentosus)

• Size: Native to South America, weighing up to 1.3 lbs.

• Physical Features: Coarse, dark gray fur and powerful claws adapted for digging.

Battle Outcome

• Event Summary: Following a period of gorging, the Puma engages with the Star-nosed Mole and the Saiga meets its fate at the paws of a predator.

• Winner: Saiga defeats Woolly Giant Rat.

Chacoan Peccary vs. Mountain Beaver

Chacoan Peccary (Catagonus wagneri)

• Physical Features: Weighs up to 88 lbs with tusks that grow straight instead of curving.

• Habitat: Commonly found in the Paraguayan chaco thorn forest.

Mountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa)

• Physical Features: Not a true beaver; weighs around 1.8 lbs.

• Behavior: Constructs extensive burrow systems and utilizes camouflage for protection.

Battle Outcome

• Event Summary: In a muddy encounter, Mountain Beaver uses its claws to escape a muddy bath created by the Chacoan Peccary.

• Winner: Chacoan Peccary defeats Mountain Beaver.

Other Competitors Overview

Competitors and Narratives

• Maned Wolf vs. Common Muskrat: Maned Wolf, having an omnivorous diet, triumphs over Muskrat.

• Indri vs. Hispid Hare: Indri utilizes its unique singing to scare off Hispid Hare, leading to an easy victory.

• Marsh Mongoose vs. Quokka: Quokka evades Marsh Mongoose's attention and survives the encounter.

• Tayra vs. Spotted-Necked Otter: An unexpected confrontation leads to the Spotted-Necked Otter winning due to superior aquatic adaptations.

Genetic Diversity in Canids

• Maned Wolf's Unique Diet: Comprises 50% animal protein and 50% plant matter, showcasing adaptability to varied food sources.

• Genetic Differences: Highlights adaptation to ecological niches; study on chromosome-level reference genomes for conservation purposes.

Citations

• Comprehensive list with references for each species discussed, reflecting scientific contributions to their understanding and conservation, including habitat studies, diet analysis, and behavioral observations.