Dasyuromorphia

Question 1

Taxonomic Diversity

Answer 1

3 families

58 species

Question 2

Example Dasyurid species

Answer 2

a) Crest tailed mulgara
b) Tasmanian Devil
c) Tiger Quoll

Question 3

Diet?

Answer 3

Carnivorous or Omnivorous marsupials

Question 4

Dentition?

Answer 4

• Polyprotodont - 3 pairs of equal sized lower incisor
• Numerous sharp teeth
• Blade like premolars
• Cusp like molars

Question 5

GI Tract

Answer 5

• Simple stomach
• No caecum
• Small intestine with similar diameter to colon

Question 6

Hindfoot of Dasyurid species

- including minor adaptations of terrestrial vs arboreal species

Answer 6

• NO SYNDACTYLY, hindfoot clawed with 5 toes
• ARBOREAL = opposable hallux
• TERRESTRIAL = hindfoot longer and hallux vestigial or lost

Question 7

Locomotion

Answer 7

Quadrapedal, forelimbs = hindlimbs

Question 8

Dasyurid variation in reproduction between small insectivores and large carnivores

Answer 8

SMALL INSECTIVORES:

• huge litters, many per year
• can show semelparity
• short lifespan

LARGE CARNIVORES:

• smaller litter size
• 1 litter per year
• longer lifespan

Question 9

a) Biology of Semelparity

MALES DIE IMMEDIATELY AFTER LENGTHY BREEDING (single sperm cohort)

b) Why be semelparous?

Answer 9

a) very intensive period, long copulations with long copulations
- v high testosterone and cortisol
- seminiferous tubules degenerate after 1 cycle

b) requirements for food extremely high for lactating females, males would compete for food but IF REMOVED, offspring have a great chance of survival