What are the different types of mammals with skulls?
Various skulls of mammals, representing these orders: Carnivora: Carnivores such as coyotes, foxes, cats, otters, and sea lions.
What are examples of rodent skulls?
The order Rodentia includes larger species such as beavers and porcupines, along with smaller representatives such as mice and rats. The porcupine provides a good example of typical rodent skull characteristics.
How do you study the anatomy of a coyote skull?
Use the coyote skull as an example to learn the anatomy, then find the same features on the skulls of other species. First, you should remember some basic terms for describing bone shapes: Process: any bony structure that sticks out, generally forming a place for a muscle to attach.
Do all mammals have a sagittal crest and coronoid process?
An animal with a powerful bite is likely to have large temporalis muscles, a sagittal crest, and large coronoid processes. Many mammals do not have a sagittal crest; the muscles simply attach to the sides of the skull. Coronoid process: a flat structure sticking up from the mandible (lower jaw).
What can we learn from mammal skulls?
The features of a mammal skull provide clues to answer these questions and solve the mystery. By studying mammal skulls, scientists can determine a lot about the animals. This information helps them to see what kinds of animals lived in a particular place and how they lived.
How can you tell if a skull is a carnivore or herbivore?
Any bigger and you probably have a deer, sheep, cow or horse skull. Next look at the teeth – carnivores have pointed teeth with no gaps; herbivores have ridged grinding surfaces on their teeth and a long, toothless gap between the cheek teeth and the front of the jaw. What are the differences between a bone and a fossil?
What is the foramen in the skull called?
Foramina (singular: foramen ): An opening in the skull, providing a place for nerves or blood vessels to pass through the bone. The largest is the foramen magnum, through which the spinal cord passes. There are numerous other small holes in the skull — too many to remember in one day, and they won’t be on the test!