Marsupials And Monotremes 8

Question 1

Describe monotreme reproduction:

Answer 1

Single cloaca
Females lay soft shelled eggs
Females still produce milk but have no teats

Question 2

Describe marsupial reproduction:

Answer 2

Cloaca and females have a pouch
Very short gestation period
Extended lactation period

Question 3

What is capture myopathy?

Answer 3

Degeneration and necrosis of skeletal and cardiac muscle resulting from rapid build up of lactic acid due to stress of capture

Question 4

What are the strategies for dealing with aggressive behaviour in kangaroos?

Answer 4

Crouch down to appear less threatening
Hold an implement above head to appear larger and more dominant
If kangaroo attempts kicking turn side on and move away

Question 5

What are some of the signs of stress?

Answer 5

Flinching 
Escape attempts 
Body trembling
Head shaking 
Ear flinching 
Licking 
Reduced food intake 
Diarrhoea 
Teeth grinding

Question 6

What can cause lumpy jaw?

Answer 6

Trauma in oral cavity 
High faecal contamination 
Inappropriate diet
Overcrowding 
Stress

Question 7

What are the characteristics of koalas?

Answer 7

Rudimentary tail
Cheek pouches
Backward facing pouch with two tests
Arboreal with two opposable thumbs

Question 8

What are the major causes of mortality in koalas?

Answer 8

Chlamydia and tooth wear

Question 9

How do koala joeys establish gut flora when weaning?

Answer 9

The joey eats semi liquid faeces taken from the rectum of the mother

Question 10

What are the signs of stress in a koala?

Answer 10

Will not sit in a branch for long 
Urinate and defacate frequently 
Ear flicking 
Hiccups 
Low whining 
Alarm posture