BIO Exam 4 Study Guide

Front

What is the mission of a stranding program?

Back

Investigate stranding to improve our understanding of the biology of marine mammals to enhance conservation.

Front

Which group of animals are cetaceans most closely related to?

Back

Hippos, cows, and pigs.

Front

Marine mammals are a _______________ Grouping.

Back

Paraphyletic.

Front

What are the characteristics of Delphinidae?

Back

Have an elongated rostrum, conical teeth, hooked dorsal fin, exhibit breaching behavior, body size: 1.5-7m.

Front

What are the characteristics of Phocoenidae?

Back

Have a blunt rostrum, spade-shaped teeth, triangular dorsal fin, rarely breach, body size: 1-2m.

Front

When did Synapsids and Sauropsids diverge?

Back

320 million years ago.

Front

Define cetaceans.

Back

A group of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

Front

What is the significance of marine mammal stranding data?

Back

It helps in understanding the health of marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities.

Front

What adaptations do marine mammals have for life in water?

Back

Streamlined bodies, blubber for insulation, and specialized respiratory systems.

Front

What is the difference between a monophyletic and paraphyletic group?

Back

A monophyletic group includes an ancestor and all its descendants, while a paraphyletic group includes an ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants.