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 Swiss Alps The Rocky Mountains The Pacific Northwest

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

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

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 has a low reproductive rate 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

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

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 a pond In an alpine meadow In a burrow Up a tree

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

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