Q 14: The Naked Mole Rat

Naked Mole Rat

Yes, only a mother could love a creature this ugly, but these mammals are fascinating creatures.  So here are some (fill in the blank or select best option) questions...

1.   Genus and species is_____________  and this means literally ______________
2.  The are classified in the order rodentia but are actually not rats or mice, they are most closely related to __________ and ___________ and __________________
3.  Native to _________ they live entirely in subterranean tunnels
4.  Tunnels can reach (10 feet/ 10 yards/ 2km/ 2 miles) in length
5. In captivity a housing system must consist of _____  and _______ and _______and ________components.
6.  In captivity they must be kept warmer than other lab animals because ____________
7. Why would water bottles be contraindicated?________________
8. This is a colony animal with a unique social structure like bees, what is this structure called? _______
9. A breeding colony can consist of up to (10/30/100/300) animals but contains only ___  breeding female and ____ breeding males
10. Gestation period is approx _____________days
11. Litter size is 1x/ 2x / 3x/ that of  outbred rodents 
12. In captivity, limited  _______ may result in cessation of breeding 
13. The majority of the non-breeding mole rats are (male/female)
14. Animals should not be removed from the colony for more than a few minutes because________
15. Serious aggression between soldiers in the colony can result when ___________________
16. After the first 2 weeks of age, the diet of pre-weaning pups consists of _____________from ______________________ 
17.  Sexing naked mole rats is accomplished by _____________________
18. Their life span is _________________________________________
19. They lack ___________  and as a result are insensitive to dermal pain
20. Their unique social structure is the stimulus for research on ______________________________

See answers here! (or check the sidebar Q14)