You are a graduate student on an expedition that is 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 characterize 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. With 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 it is adapted to hibernate and maintain a constant body temperature during the winter. The short tail and lack of other adaptations for swimming suggest that it does not spend significant time in the water.

You Are a Graduate Student on an Expedition That Is