Rodentia Flashcards
What are the 3 sub orders of this group ?
Squirrel-like
Mouse-like
Cavy-like
Give examples of species within the squirrel like rodent sub order ?
Beavers, squirrels, spring hare
Describe the teeth of organisms within the squirrel like rodent sub order.
Simple teeth
Lack large cusps or sharp enamel of other rodents
Describe the reproduction methods of the Squirrel like rodents
Multi paternal litters
Males have large scrotums to outcompete other sperm through sheer numbers.
How is a large scrotum an example of directional selection?
Males with largest scrotum produce large amounts of sperm
Increased differential reproductive success
Offspring will inherit beneficial gene.
Give the species found within the sub order, mouse-like rodents
Rats and mice
Voles and lemmings
Hamsters, gerbils, dormice, jumping mice, birchmice
Pocket mice, kangaroo rats.
Describe the diet of mouse like rodents
Mainly seedeaters but exploit many other food niches
Give the reproductive strategy of the mouse like rodents
R-strategists
Early and prolific reproduction
List the species found in the sub order ‘Cavy like rodents’
Cavies, capybara, agoutis, chinchillas, porcupines, guinea pigs, African mole rat.
Give the habitat of naked role mats.
Subterranean, underground dwellers.
What organisms social structure is a naked mole rat colony similar to ?
Insect social structure
How many mating pairs exist within a naked mole rat colony ?
1 pair, one male and female
What are castes (naked mole rats) ?
Groups, which naked mole rats are split into depending on size.
What is the function of naked mole rats in the working caste ?
Mole rats carry food and nest material to the communal nest
What happens to naked mole rats which grow to become larger than their counterparts ?
Will move from the working caste to become non workers
Associate with breeding female and are involved in colony defence.
