Babirusa Flashcards
What is another common name for the babirusa?
Pig deer.
What is the range and habitat of the babirusa?
They are found in Indonesia in tropical forest near water.
What year was it discovered that all five current species of babirusa were in fact, different species?
2002.
What will happen if a babirusa does not constantly grind its tusks?
They will penetrate their skull.
What is a monotypic taxon?
A monotypic taxon is a taxonomic group which contains only one immediately subordinate taxon.
What is the phylogenetic concept?
It is a concept that states that there are species that once shared a common ancestor. However, this common ancestor’s populations diverge from each other and though many of the traits of the two animals stay the same, they become sufficiently different enough to warrant being classified into two species.
What three traits caused scientists to split the babirusas into separate species?
Size differences, amount of body hair, and tooth size.
What kind of tooth is the curving upper tusk of a babirusa?
Canine.
Do female babirusas have the signature curving tusks?
No.
What is the alveolar?
The bone that holds tooth sockets.
How many pairs of teats does the female babirusa have?
One.
What is a possible explanation for populations of babirusas being scattered on some odd islands in Indonesia?
Native tribes would present them as gifts to explorers.
True or false? The babirusa prefers areas near the coast.
False. They prefer to live in inland forest, but were once found on the coast.
When is the babirusa active?
It is diurnal.
Why doesn’t the babirusa dig with their nose like many other pigs?
They lack a hard bone in their nose to help them dig.
What do babirusas eat?
Plants, fruits, nuts, roots, and animal material.
Are babirusas solitary?
Males are solitary. Females and young babirusas gather in large groups.
What is the upper set of tusks in male babirusas used for?
Defense.
What is the lower set of tusks in male babirusas used for?
Offense.
What is the litter size for a babirusa?
One or two piglets.
What animal do native Indonesian tribes sometimes use as a gift to visitors?
The babirusa.
What kinds of art have babirusas inspired in Indonesian festivals and palaces?
Masks and statues.
What is the conservation status of all species of babirusa?
Vulnerable or endangered.
What are the main threats to the babirusa?
Poaching and habitat loss.
How can habitat loss lead to increased poaching?
It reduces the amount of places the animal can hide.
How long is a babirusa?
4 feet
How much do babirusas weigh?
220 pounds.
How long ago did babirusas branch off from the warthogs?
30 million years ago.
What does the mottled hide of the babirusa help it to do?
Camouflage.
Why was there some dispute as to whether the babirusa was kosher or not?
It has a three chambered stomach, so it was thought it might be a ruminant.
Is the babirusa considered kosher?
No.
What is one problem with breeding the babirusa in captivity?
Many captive babirusas are related, so a lot of inbreeding occurs.
