Chinchillas

Chinchillas are endangered as they have been hunted for their pelts to near extinction.

• True

• False

Like rabbits and guinea pigs, chinchillas perform a digestive process called (a)   to extract as much goodness as possible from their food.

Chinchillas can be found in which high mountains of South America?

• Rockies

• Andes

• Appalachians

• Lost River Range

These small mammals have exceptionally dense fur which is an adaptation to the cold temperatures. Each hair follicle has ________________ individual haris. Humans typically have one hair per follicle.

• 10-20

• 30-40

• 60-90

• 200-3000

Chinchilla's fleshy (a)   allow them to be agile and maintain their grip on rocky surfaces.

Besides having dense fur that helps them in cold temperatures, what else in their biology helps them live at high altitudes.

• small igloos as shelters.

• storing large amounts of fat in their ears.

• their red blood cells take up more oxygen.

• small natural solar panels on their feet.

Chinchillas are prey animals and their natural response to a perceived threat is to freeze or cower, and dart for cover.

• True

• False

Chinchillas like tight spaces for protection.

• True

• False

How high can a chinchilla jump?

• 1 ft.

• 3 ft.

• 6ft.

• 9 ft.

Chinchillas can lose large patches of (a)   . This is a defense mechanism against predators. This can also happen if handled improperly.