Understanding Deer Mice Adaptations

What is the main reason Nate Senner enjoys running?

• To socialize with friends

• To push himself to his limits

• To explore new places

• To compete in races

What is unique about the elevational distribution of the deer mouse?

• It hibernates during winter

• It has the widest elevational range of any North American mammal

• It is found only in high mountains

• It only lives in Death Valley

What tool is used to capture deer mice for study?

• Glue traps

• Cage traps

• Sherman traps

• Net traps

What are the two main types of metabolic fuels used by animals?

• Minerals and water

• Fats and carbohydrates

• Proteins and vitamins

• Sugars and fibers

Why are fats more suitable for endurance activities?

• They require less oxygen to burn

• They are easier to digest

• They contain more energy per gram

• They convert to energy quickly

What is the main challenge for highland deer mice in their environment?

• Scarcity of oxygen

• Finding food

• Extreme heat

• Avoiding predators

How do highland deer mice adapt to low oxygen environments?

• By migrating to lower altitudes

• By having hemoglobin that binds oxygen more effectively

• By developing thicker fur

• By hibernating during winter

What is the role of hemoglobin in highland deer mice?

• To aid in digestion

• To regulate body temperature

• To transport oxygen more efficiently

• To store energy

What does the ratio of oxygen consumption to carbon dioxide production indicate in mice?

• Their level of activity

• The type of fuel they are burning

• The speed of their metabolism

• Their body temperature

What is a key genetic difference between highland and lowland deer mice?

• Size of their ears

• Length of their tails

• Color of their fur

• Genes related to hemoglobin