Rodent Biology: Muridae et al. Mammalogy EEOB February 2004

Natural History of Castor canadensis Lake vs. stream habitats and optimal habitat for dam Dam and lodge construction, materials required Feeding activity and nutrition strategy: browsing specialists: new growth & cambium Reproduction: Social monogamy with a 2-year cycle of kit production. Kits disperse at 2 yrs of age Communication: Olfactory and auditory

Castoridae

Comparative Natural History of Peromyscus and Microtus Peromyscus spp. representing Sigmodontinae/ Muridae 1. Long ears & tail, large eyes, molars bunodont 2. New World only– most of the 57 species from arid and tropical regions (few species at high latitudes) 3. Midwest ‑ Peromyscus leucopus & P maniculatus 4. Natural history of Peromyscus leucopus Nocturnal seed & insect eater Prime habitat: open canopy forest with dead fall

Fig Occlusal Surfaces Selenodont (herbivory) Bunodont (omnivory)

Comparative Natural History of Peromyscus and Microtus Microtus spp. representing Arvicolinae or Microtinae 1. Short ears & tail, small eyes, adaptations for _____? 2. Molars hypsodont and selenodont (with flat "cusps") – adaptations for herbivory species in Holarctic - latitudinal distribution: more species at higher latitudes 4. Microtus pennsylvanicus ‑ herbivore ‑ runway specialists - activity periods energetics and thermoregulation What is the adaptive zone of Arvicolinae_____?

Natural History of the Naked Mole Bat: Biology of a Eusocial Mammal Fossorial herbivores, 1 of 12 species of Bathyergidae in southern Africa Use of teeth and cooperative behavior in burrowing Body size (20-40 g), non reproductive workers are the smallest Eusociality & role of the queen in colony organization Cooperative defense of the colony Evolution of eusociality: the role of habitat & resources

Evolution of Eusocialilty

END Rodentia Biology