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Mammalian Diversity > Rodentia > Flashcards

Flashcards in Rodentia Deck (18)
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1
Q

What are the 3 sub orders of this group ?

A

Squirrel-like
Mouse-like
Cavy-like

2
Q

Give examples of species within the squirrel like rodent sub order ?

A

Beavers, squirrels, spring hare

3
Q

Describe the teeth of organisms within the squirrel like rodent sub order.

A

Simple teeth

Lack large cusps or sharp enamel of other rodents

4
Q

Describe the reproduction methods of the Squirrel like rodents

A

Multi paternal litters

Males have large scrotums to outcompete other sperm through sheer numbers.

5
Q

How is a large scrotum an example of directional selection?

A

Males with largest scrotum produce large amounts of sperm
Increased differential reproductive success
Offspring will inherit beneficial gene.

6
Q

Give the species found within the sub order, mouse-like rodents

A

Rats and mice
Voles and lemmings
Hamsters, gerbils, dormice, jumping mice, birchmice
Pocket mice, kangaroo rats.

7
Q

Describe the diet of mouse like rodents

A

Mainly seedeaters but exploit many other food niches

8
Q

Give the reproductive strategy of the mouse like rodents

A

R-strategists

Early and prolific reproduction

9
Q

List the species found in the sub order ‘Cavy like rodents’

A

Cavies, capybara, agoutis, chinchillas, porcupines, guinea pigs, African mole rat.

10
Q

Give the habitat of naked role mats.

A

Subterranean, underground dwellers.

11
Q

What organisms social structure is a naked mole rat colony similar to ?

A

Insect social structure

12
Q

How many mating pairs exist within a naked mole rat colony ?

A

1 pair, one male and female

13
Q

What are castes (naked mole rats) ?

A

Groups, which naked mole rats are split into depending on size.

14
Q

What is the function of naked mole rats in the working caste ?

A

Mole rats carry food and nest material to the communal nest

15
Q

What happens to naked mole rats which grow to become larger than their counterparts ?

A

Will move from the working caste to become non workers

Associate with breeding female and are involved in colony defence.

16
Q

How are the naked mole rats young cared for ?

A

Cared for by all females but only suckled by the breeding female

17
Q

Naked mole rats are not sterile, how is breeding among other individuals prevented ?

A

By aggression ?

Pheremones (like insects)

18
Q

What is the benefit to the naked mole rat colony of looking after their offspring ?

A

Whilst they forfeit reproduction and passing on genes

They are helping propagate genes of close relatives (kin selection)