How Weird- The Mountain Beaver

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Well, this critter is called a "mountain beaver." So, obviously, it must live primarily in mountainous areas. True False

2. Where would I find a mountain beaver? The Himalayas The Pacific Northwest The Rocky Mountains The Swiss Alps

3. And, since it's called a mountain *beaver*," I can guess what it looks like- right? Which of these describes its appearance best? An overgrown hamster A medium-sized rodent with webbed feet A large rodent with a wide, paddle-shaped tail A small rodent with a paddle-shaped tail and large incisors

4. The scientific name of the mountain beaver is Aplodontia rufa. What does this mean? Red simple-tooth Red missing-feet Rough lacking-teeth Rough multiple-feet

5. Well, we said the mountain beaver was weird. Let's start talking about weirdness. The mountain beaver is one of the oldest rodent species known, dating back 40 million years. As such, it has a primitive physiology. Which is NOT one of its primitive characteristics? It cannot pant or sweat It has sparse, rough hair Its kidneys are so inefficient that it must drink 20% of its weight every day to flush them It has a low reproductive rate

6. What is the main diet of the mountain beaver? Bark and cambium Ferns, herbs and shoots Insects Mushrooms and truffles

7. The mountain beaver has the largest _______________ of any mammal. Incisors Fleas Home range Cheek pouches

8. Where would you be most likely to find a mountain beaver? In an alpine meadow In a burrow Up a tree In a pond

9. The mountain beaver is often confused with another strange little mammal, the pika. Which is NOT a way that they are alike? Both have a name that refers to their noisiness Both are nearly tailless Both dry plants for food Both are rodents

10. According to molecular evidence, which rodents are most closely related to the mountain beaver? Squirrels Gophers Beavers Porcupines