You are a graduate student on an expedition studying animals in an area of a national park that is about to be opened to the public for recreation and limited logging.Part of this study is to survey and describe the mammalian life in the area.You find a small rodent that has a short tail, copious brown fat deposits, and oil in its fur.From these anatomical features, what can you infer about this animal?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of copious brown fat deposits and oil in its fur suggests that the rodent is adapted for cold environments. Brown fat is involved in heat production during hibernation, and oil in the fur provides waterproofing, which is useful for animals that spend time in water. These features do not indicate an ectothermic nature, adaptations for dry climates, or adaptations for releasing heat efficiently, which are associated with the other options.

You Are a Graduate Student on an Expedition Studying Animals