Mustelids

Question 1

Some argue which family is distinct from mustelids?

Answer 1

Skunks.

Question 2

What is a main characteristic of mustelids? What is their sociality?

Answer 2

Musk (anal) glands.

Solitary, except for highly gregarious otters, European badger.

Question 3

Describe the sexuality of mustelids. What are they like behaviourally?

Answer 3

Delayed implantation; sexually dimorphic (males larger than females, associated with polygyny).

Playful, aggressive, intelligent hunters.

Question 4

Mustelids are important for what industry? Have they been domesticated?

Answer 4

Fur industry (e.g., spotted mink).

Domestic ferret.

Question 5

Which is the largest mustelid?

Answer 5

Pine Marten.

Question 6

The _____ turns white in the winter.

Answer 6

Short-tailed weasel.

Question 7

Regarding endocrine mechanisms behind seasonal albinism, describe what happens in spring and winter.

Answer 7

Spring: longer days = suppression of melatonin = increase in MSH, and gonadotropins = brown, grey, “blue” or blackish colour.

Winter: shorter days = less suppression of melatonin = low levels of MSH, and gonadotropins = white colour.

Question 8

Define the endocrinology of seasonal albinism. What are gonadotropins and MSH?

Answer 8

Pineal gland (melatonin) and Pituitary gland (trophics).

Gonadotropins: Estrogens (females) and androgens (males).

MSH: melanocyte-stimulating hormone.