Final Exam- NOT families

Question 1

Skeletal Adaptations for Cursorial Locomotion

Answer 1

Cursorial (running) may be limited or strongly developed

· Fused scaphoid and lunar bones, centrale lost (wrist)

· Foot posture is usually digitigrade or plantigrade

· Primary adaptations for running include bone loss and/or fusion of carpals and tarsals

Question 2

Evolutionary Trends in Primate

Answer 2

· Reproduction occurs at a slower rate (sexual maturity is delayed, life spans are longer)

· Progressive shift to great reliance on fruits, seeds and foliage

· Decline in amount of animal material consumed

· Social and mating systems include diverse array of complex sociospatial and breeding patterns

Question 3

Morphological features of Carnivora

Answer 3

· Expanded braincase

· Flange on the lateral margin of the Basioccipital

· Fronto-parietal suture far back on skull

· All teeth are rooted

· Loss of third molar

· Carnassials are P4 and M1

Question 4

Suborder Feliformia

Answer 4

· “Cat-like”

· Six modern families

· Related by numerous muscular characteristics

· Auditory bulla includes both ectotympanic and endotympanic and has two chambers (except Nandinidae – African Palm Civets)

Question 5

Mongooses

Answer 5

Immune to venom and take down venomous snakes

Question 6

Meerkats

Answer 6

Alarm calls and detecting predators