Mammals overview Flashcards

1
Q

Mammals belong to what taxonomic class?

A

Mammalia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

List and explain the 6 distinguishing characteristics of mammals.

A
  • hair
  • muscular diaphragm
  • inner ear bones
  • larynx
  • cervical vertebrae
  • mammary glands
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define endotherms in mammals

A

body generates body heat internally

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Define homeotherms in mammals

A

mammals can cool off by evaporation and heat up by increasing metabolism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is a typical mammal body temperature?

A

100 F

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Explain hibernation

A

the lowering of the body temperature and metabolism to save energy during long periods when no food is available

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Explain daily torpor

A

they can lower their body temperature during sleep to save energy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Explain Estrus

A

In heat to mate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Explain Endometrium

A

lining of the uterus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Explain Gestation

A

pregnancy time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Explain Menstrual cycle

A

the endometrium becomes ready for implantation and sheds if it doesn’t happen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Explain Uterus

A

Where fertilization takes place

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Explain Placenta

A

where the fetus gets nourishment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is altricial?

A

naked, blind and helpless

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is precocial?

A

eyes open, with hair, able to move

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is heterodont?

A

different types of teeth for different functions

17
Q

What is homodont?

A

only one kind of tooth

18
Q

What are the 4 types of mammal teeth?

A

Incisors, Canine, Premolars, Molars

19
Q

What do the incisors do?

A
  • front teeth
  • used for cutting pieces of food
20
Q

What do Canines do?

A
  • behind the incisors
  • used to hold on to prey
  • used to tear and slice
21
Q

What do Premolars do?

A
  • Behind the canines
  • flattened for grinding, cutting and shearing
22
Q

What do Molars do?

A

flattened for crushing

23
Q

What is a dental formula and what is it used for?

A
  • numbers of teeth expressed in a numerical formula
  • useful for identification
24
Q

Properly write out a dental formula.

A

I3/3C1/1CK6/7x2=41

25
What is a diastema?
no canine pace between teeth
26
List the functions of mammal hair.
* Insulation * protects * receives sensations * communication
27
What are the 4 types of mammal hairs?
* Guard hairs * vibrissae * awn * down hair
28
Which hair is the outer layer?
Guard hairs
29
Which hair is used for insulation?
* Awn * Down hairs
30
Which hairs are whiskers?
Vibrissae
31
What pigment gives mammals their color?
melanin
32
What is melanism?
having excess black pigment
33
What is albinism?
genetic mutation that causes no pigment