Naked Mole Rat Flashcards
What is the scientific name of the naked mole rat?
Heterocephalus glaber
Sole member of this genus
Where are naked mole rats found?
Hot, arid, and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
Where do naked mole rat colonies live?
Subterranean. Extensive foraging tunnels that run at root or tuber level and a chamber for nesting deeper underground.
What type of social structure do NMRs have?
Eusocial. Establish colonies with a single breeding female. Nonbreeding animals responsible for food collection and distribution and share the care of young. When breeding female dies, working females are capable of becoming a breeding female and will compete, sometimes aggressively, for the position.
How long do NMRs live? How does this correlate to use in research?
Infant mortality may be high in captivity, but on reaching adulthood have a 30-year lifespan. Used in aging research - may be no direct relationship between reactive oxygen species and longevity.
What is unique regarding cancer in NMRs? What is a potential cause?
Rarely develop cancer with age. Fibroblasts secrete extremely high-molecular-mass hyaluronan, needed for skin elasticity underground. This protects cells from perturbation of the signaling pathways that are sufficient for malignant transformation in other species.
Describe NMR resistance to hypoxia.
Adapted to living with low oxygen and high CO2 levels due to subterranean habitat. Brain neurons can recover from anoxia lasting 30 minutes or longer.
What hairs do NMRs possess?
Thick tactile vibrissae-like hairs that are prominent on the face and tail.
How do NMRs keep their mouth and airway clear when tunneling?
Mouth closes behind large external incisors.
How does size differ in a colony of NMRs?
Great variability within a colony, between genders, and even within a litter.
Describe the microenvironment in wild NMR tunnels.
High temp and humidity, between 80-90F.
How often should cages be changed for NMRs?
Except for the toilet chamber, system of connected tunnels and cages should not be cleaned unless necessary as NMRs are easily disturbed.
What are NMRs very sensitive to? How can this be managed?
Noise and vibration, which causes a panic response. Provide constant background low-intensity white noise
How are water needs of NMRs met?
In food supplied
What diet are NMRs fed in captivity?
Daily vegetables with continual supply of sweet potatoes, squash, or apples.
How often does the breeding female give birth? What is critical at this time?
Every 76-84 days. Are more sensitive to colony disturbance during this time. Manipulation of nest chamber during 2 weeks following parturition may alarm adults and lead to removal of pups and potentially trampling.
What is the suspected cause of most lesions in NMRs?
Diet or behavior
