Predator/Prey

1. Comparative Anatomy of a Dog and a Rabbit Predator/Prey

2. Commonalities of All Mammals • Have mammary glands • Have a single lower jaw • Have hair • Are endotherms • Have a diaphragm • Have a four-chambered heart

3. Dog Characteristics

4. Smell • Excellent sense of smell. Helps them to sense prey

5. Eyes • Eyes in Front of Head • Allows for depth perception

6. Whiskers • Sensitive whiskers • Whiskers work with air currents to pinpoint where prey might be • Touching whiskers closes the dog’s eye for protection

7. Eyelids • Nictitating membrane • acts as third eyelid

8. Feet • Walk on toes at 90° angle • Paw pads for protection

9. Maintaining Body Temperature • Main cooling is from panting

10. Teeth • 42 teeth in adult • There are four types of teeth. • Incisors are the primary biting teeth. • The canine teeth bite and tear food. • The premolars shear, grind and mash food. • Molars are responsible for the most rigorous chewing.

11. Reproduction • Gestation period is 63 days • Only goes into heat (estrus) twice a year so can get pregnant only twice a year • Has an average of 6-8 babies at a time depending on breed

12. Rabbit Characteristics

13. Smell • Excellent sense of smell. Helps them to sense predators

14. Eyes • Eyes on sides of head • Allows for two fields of vision – looking for predators and escape route simultaneously • Poor depth perception

15. Whiskers • Sensitive whiskers

16. Eyelids • Nictitating membrane • acts as third eyelid

17. Feet • Flat-footed with no foot pads • Use claws for traction

18. Maintaining Body Temperature • Large ears for temperature control and hearing

19. Teeth • Two pairs of incisors in upper jaw. One smaller pair behind the larger pair • 28 teeth that grow continuously • They have molars and premolars too!

20. Reproduction • Gestation period is 31 days • Does not go into heat (estrus) so can get pregnant at any time • Has an average of 6-8 babies at a time depending on breed