Echidnas are monotremes, porcupines are rodents, and hedgehogs are erinaceids. Porcupines are giant rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that shield them against predators. Most porcupines are about 60–90 cm (25–36 in) long, with a 20–25 cm (8–10 in) long tail. North American porcupines are the second largest rodent in North America. The New World porcupines evolved their spines independently (through convergent evolution) and are more closely related to several other families of rodents than they are to the Old World porcupines.
Convergent evolution — the repeated evolution of similar traits in multiple lineages which all ancestrally lack the trait — is rife in nature, as illustrated by the examples below. how did birds evolve? I was just wondering how the Porcupine happened to EVOLVE it's sharp quills. All have short, stocky legs, but their tails range from short to long, with some being prehensile.
because they are nocturnal and sleep all day instead of protecting themselves. Most porcupines are about 60–90 cm (25–36 Each evolved spines independently as a result of convergent evolution, a process by which unrelated creatures evolve similar features. And how the Bat happened to grow its wings. 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Quills! Weighing 5–16 kg (12–35 lb), they are rounded, large, and slow, and use aposematic strategy of defence. Porcupines have a stout, slow, lumbering form and a spiny coat. Naked Science Forum GOD! 3 years ago. Our best of series, published each week, collates our favourite and most popular resources for a particular topic.
shadeyinka:. Best of: Evolution by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action, Tools for Teachers | 0 . The answer to why skin color is different for different individuals lies within your DNA.Most people are familiar with the DNA that is found within the nucleus of a cell, but by tracing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lines, scientists have been able to figure out when the human ancestors began moving out of Africa into different climates.
Porcupine, any of 25 species of large, herbivorous, quill-bearing rodents active from early evening to dawn. The story probably goes like this: In the rat family, there was commotion as snakes, dogs, hyaenas, cats and all the small carnivores began to feast on them. Porcupines occur in various shades of brown, grey and white. Hedgehogs, porcupines, and echidnas all have spines for protection, but that doesn’t mean they share a spiny ancestor. They weigh between 5 and 14 kg, and are 600 to 900 mm long. I think this is a good question because porcupines have evolved to have weapons on their body. The quills, or spines, take various forms depending on the species, but all are modified Also they have a few characteristics of other animals: Their quills are made of keratin, like rhino horns. The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is the second-largest rodent in North America, beat out only by the beaver, according to the University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology. They usually appear dark brown to black, although some of the hairs and spines on the backs of these animals are yellow. level 2 Bored chemist.
18141; Activity: 3 Apr 2020 . Only beavers are larger.