Mammalogy
Spring 2000
Exam 2
 
  Name ___________________________________
 
 
I. Multiple choice. Choose the single most appropriate answer. (3 points each)

1. According to the Chitty hypothesis (proposed to account for the fluctuations in dramatic population density in voles), tolerant individuals are characterized by which of the following?

 
a. Low dispersal rate, high rates of aggression, low reproductive rates
b. High dispersal rates, high rates of aggression, high reproductive rates
c. Low rates of dispersal, low rates of aggression, high reproductive rates
d. High rates of dispersal, low rates of aggression, high reproductive rates
 
2. The lack of a well-developed (i.e., shearing) carnassial pair in some members of the Carnivora is associated with a. Grooming behavior
b. Omnivory
c. Aggression
d. Capturing prey
3. Which of the following is an adaptation for nectar feeding in some bats a. Specialized kidneys
b. Heat sensing pits on the rostrum
c. Specialized incisors
d. Long rostrum and tongue
4. A projection of the sternum for the attachment of large muscles that move the forelimbs
a. Keel
b. Rhinarium
c. Epipubic bone
d. Zygomatic arch


5. A jointed cranium is associated with what type of locomotion

a. Fossorial
b. Saltatory
c. Aquatic
d. Arboreal
6. The large auditory bullae of the family Heteromyidae are used for a. Echolocation
b. Foraging
c. Predator avoidance
d. Aquatic locomotion
 
7. The peak phase of the vole population cycle is characterized by
 
a. a long breeding season
b. early sexual maturity
c. high rates of dispersal
d. a high mortality rate


8. In this suborder of bats, all members exhibit echolocation
 

a. Chiroptera
b. Megachiroptera
c. Microchiroptera
d. Pteropodidae


9. Which cranial feature is characteristic of the order Insectivora?
 

a. Incomplete zygomatic arch
b. Forward facing orbits
c. Fenestrations
d. Reduction of the rostrum
10. What form of primate locomotion is associated with a prehensile tail and reduction or absence of the pollex?
 
a. Knuckle walking
b. Bipedalism
c. Verticle clinging and leaping
d. Semibrachiation
11. Lagomorph crania are unique because they
 
a. Possess two sets of upper incisors, one directly behind the other
b. Have homodont teeth
c. Have hugely inflated auditory bullae
d. Lack teeth entirely, and instead possess baleen

 

II. Matching.

Morphological convergence is common among mammals. Each of the following convergent traits is shared by some of the members of the two taxonomic groups listed below. Match the trait/characteristic with the appropriate pair of taxonomic. Please note that not all members of the named taxonomic group need exhibit the trait, but at least some of them do groups (14 points).

a. Spines for protection against predators

b. Roughened region of stomach for crushing insects

c. Chisel-shaped, rootless incisors

d. Flippers

e. Venom

f. Prehensile tail

h. Gliding
 
 

_____ Daubentoniidae, Muridae

_____ Rodentia, Monotremata

_____ Dermoptera, Rodentia

_____ Tubulidentata, Pholidota

_____ Didelphidae, Cebidae

_____ Soricidae, Monotremata

_____ Otariidae, Phocidae
 
 

Match the structure or characteristics with the most appropriate taxonomic group from the answer set (12 points). Each answer may only be used once.

____ Most primitive living rodent

____ Once classified with insectivores and with primates

____ Fenestrated skull

____ Primate that fills ecological niche of woodpecker in Madagascar

____ Anal scent glands used for defense

____ Patagium encloses body from neck to tip of tail, including fore and hind digits

____ Extreme elongation of the hind limbs for verticle clinging and leaping

____ Extreme elongation of the forelimbs for flight

____ Well developed carnassial pair

____ Grooved incisors for delivery of venom

____ Multiple, tubular pulps in cheek teeth

____ only mammal that feeds exclusively on blood
 
 
 
 

a. Tubulidentata

b. Chiroptera

c. Dermoptera

d. Tarsiidae

e. Lagomorpha

f. Aplodontidae

g. Felidae

h. Daubentoniidae

i. Hystricomorphs

j. Mustelidae

k. Hyaenidae

l. Dasypodidae

m. Scandentia

n. Soricidae

o. Desmodontidae
 
 
 
 

III. Short answer (5 points each).

1. Describe the ancestral (protrognath) morphology of the zygomatic arch and masseter muscle in the order Rodentia. How have these been modified in the sciuromorph, myomorph and hystricomorph rodents? What is one possible purpose of moving the site of masseter muscle attachment forward?
 

2. Why might the short gestation period of marsupials limit the structural diversity of marsupial forelimbs? Describe two specializations of the forelimbs that can be found in placental mammals but are absent from marsupials, and give the type of locomotion associated with each of these types of forelimb.
 
 

3. List 5 anatomical or physiological specializations that allow Cetaceans to remain submerged for long periods of time and describe how each of these specializations contributes to their ability to remain submerged.
 
 

4. Describe 5 general characteristics of primates that are associated with having an arboreal lifestyle. What is the function or significance of each characteristic for arboreal living?
 
 

5. Why would a fetus need some sort of protection from the mother’s immune system? How is this protection achieved in (a) monotremes, (b) marsupials and (c) placental mammals?
 
 

6. Describe the anatomical specializations for producing and receiving echolocation sounds that are seen in the suborder Microchiroptera.
 
 

7. Compare and contrast the anatomy of the carnivore families Otariidae and Phocidae. How do these differences relate to differences in locomotion?
 

IV. Write and answer your own question. The point value awarded depends on the question type. If you write and correctly answer a multiple choice question, you can earn a maximum of 3 points. If you write and correctly answer a short answer question, you can earn up to 5 points. The question may not have been asked on a previous quiz or exam.