Mammals and Synapsids Flashcard

Front

What is lunge feeding in whales?

Back

Lunge feeding is a method used by some baleen whales, such as the blue whale, where the whale accelerates towards a school of prey and opens its mouth wide to engulf a large volume of water and prey.

Front

What distinguishes belugas from narwhals?

Back

Belugas have short broad snouts, while narwhals do not have a snout and are known for their long tusk.

Front

What clade do cetaceans belong to?

Back

Cetaceans are nested in the Artiodactyla clade, which includes even-toed ungulates like cows and pigs.

Front

What is skim feeding in whales?

Back

Skim feeding is a method used by some whales, such as the bowhead whale, where the whale swims slowly with its mouth open to filter small prey from the water's surface.

Front

What is the increase in global sea surface temperature (SST) since 1950?

Back

The global sea surface temperature has increased by approximately 0.5-0.6°C since 1950.

Front

Define pinnipeds.

Back

Pinnipeds are a group of marine mammals that include seals, sea lions, and walruses, characterized by their fin-like limbs.

Front

What are the main characteristics of cetaceans?

Back

Cetaceans are fully aquatic mammals that include whales, dolphins, and porpoises, characterized by their streamlined bodies, blowholes, and the presence of echolocation in some species.

Front

What is the primary diet of gray whales?

Back

Gray whales primarily feed on benthic invertebrates, such as amphipods, by sifting through sediment on the ocean floor.

Front

What adaptations do whales have for deep diving?

Back

Whales have adaptations such as a flexible ribcage, high myoglobin content in muscles, and the ability to slow their heart rate to conserve oxygen during deep dives.

Front

What is the significance of the narwhal's tusk?

Back

The narwhal's tusk is an elongated tooth that can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and is thought to play a role in social interactions and possibly in mating.