Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Wildlife Biology > Mammals overview > Flashcards

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
Q

What is a diastema?

A

no canine pace between teeth

26
Q

List the functions of mammal hair.

A
  • Insulation
  • protects
  • receives sensations
  • communication
27
Q

What are the 4 types of mammal hairs?

A
  • Guard hairs
  • vibrissae
  • awn
  • down hair
28
Q

Which hair is the outer layer?

A

Guard hairs

29
Q

Which hair is used for insulation?

A
  • Awn
  • Down hairs
30
Q

Which hairs are whiskers?

31
Q

What pigment gives mammals their color?

32
Q

What is melanism?

A

having excess black pigment

33
Q

What is albinism?

A

genetic mutation that causes no pigment

Wildlife Biology (31 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions