Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Marsupials/Answer Key"
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{{Taxobox | {{Taxobox | ||
| color = pink | | color = pink | ||
| − | | name = | + | | name = Quokka<ref name=MSW3>{{MSW3 Groves|pages=69}}</ref> |
| − | | | + | | status = VU |
| − | | | + | | trend = down |
| − | | | + | | status_system = iucn2.3 |
| + | | status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{IUCN2006 | assessors = Australasian Marsupial & Monotreme Specialist Group | year = 1996 | id = 20165 | title = Setonix brachyurus | downloaded = 6 May 2006}}</ref> | ||
| + | | image = Rottnest Quokka 2004 SeanMcClean.jpg | ||
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia | | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | ||
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] | | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] | ||
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia | | classis = [[Mammal]]ia | ||
| infraclassis = [[Marsupial]]ia | | infraclassis = [[Marsupial]]ia | ||
| − | | ordo = [[ | + | | ordo = [[Diprotodontia]] |
| − | | familia = [[ | + | | familia = [[Macropodidae]] |
| − | | subfamilia = [[ | + | | subfamilia = [[Macropodinae]] |
| − | + | | genus = '''''Setonix''''' | |
| − | | genus = ''''' | + | | genus_authority = [[René-Primevère Lesson|Lesson]], 1842 |
| − | | genus_authority = [[ | + | | species = '''''S. brachyurus''''' |
| − | | | + | | binomial = ''Setonix brachyurus'' |
| − | | | + | | binomial_authority = ([[Jean René Constant Quoy|Quoy]] & [[Joseph Paul Gaimard|Gaimard]], 1830) |
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}} | }} | ||
| − | ''' | + | [[Image:Quokka - melbourne zoo.jpg|thumb|Quokka, Melbourne Zoo]] |
| + | The '''Quokka''' (''Setonix brachyurus'') is a small [[macropod]], about the size of a large domestic cat. Like other [[marsupial]]s in the macropod family (such as the [[kangaroo]]s and [[Wallaby|wallabies]]), the Quokka is herbivorous and mainly nocturnal. | ||
| − | The | + | ==Ecology== |
| + | In the wild, its roaming is restricted to a very small range in the South-West of Western Australia. The Quokka has become rare, but remains a protected species on two islands off the coast of that area, [[Bald Island]], [[Rottnest Island]], [[Garden Island]] and rarely [[Penguin Island]]. Both islands are free of foxes and cats. On Rottnest Island, it is common and occupies a wide range of habitats, ranging from semi-arid scrub to cultivated gardens. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Classification== |
| − | + | The Quokka is the only member of the genus '''''Setonix'''''. It weighs 2.5 to 5 kg and is 40 to 54 cm long with a 25 to 30 cm tail — which is rather short for a macropod. It has a stocky build, rounded ears, and a short, broad head. Although looking rather like a very small, dumpy kangaroo, it can climb small trees and shrubs. Its coarse fur is a grizzled brown colour, fading to buff underneath. The Quokka recycles a small amount of its waste products. | |
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| − | + | ==Behavior== | |
| + | The Quokka is gregarious and gathers in large groups where food is available: primary items are [[Poaceae|grasses]], [[Cyperaceae|sedges]], [[Succulent plant|succulents]] and foliage. The health of some animals has suffered significantly by the ingestion of inappropriate foods, such as bread, given by well meaning visitors to Rottnest Island. Visitors are now asked to refrain from feeding them. It breeds at any time on the mainland, but in late summer on Rottnest. The Quokka only produces a single [[joey (marsupial)|joey]] in a year. Restricted availability of the [[Micromineral|trace element]] [[copper]] appears to be a major limiting factor of the ability of the Quokka to breed on Rottnest. | ||
| − | The | + | The Quokka's movements are similar to a kangaroo, using mixture of small and large hops. |
| − | + | ||
| + | ==Interaction with Humans== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Quokkas have no fear of humans and it is common for them to hop up close enough to humans to be petted, particularly on Rottnest Island. Although it is not encouraged due to the diseases and germs they can carry. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Status== | ||
| + | Although numerous on the small offshore islands, it has a very restricted range and is classified as vulnerable. On the mainland, where it is threatened by introduced predatory species such as foxes, it requires dense ground cover for refuge. This refuge has been taken away from the Quokka due to loss of habitat due to agriculture which has contributed to the decline of the Quokka as well. Also, human-introduced cats and dogs, as well as dingoes, have contributed to the problem, as has the clearing and burning of the remaining swamplands the Quokka have left. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==European discovery== | ||
| + | The Quokka was one of the first Australian mammals seen by Europeans. The Dutch mariner Samuel Volckertzoon wrote of sighting "a wild cat" on Rottnest Island in 1658. In 1696 [[Willem de Vlamingh]] mistook them for rats and named the island "Rottenest", Dutch for "rat nest". | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
| − | {{ | + | ==External links== |
| − | + | {{commons|Setonix brachyurus|Quokka}} | |
| + | *ARKive - [http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/mammals/Setonix_brachyurus/ images and movies of the quokka ''(Setonix brachyurus)''] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Macropods]] |
| + | [[Category:Mammals of Australia]] | ||
[[Category:Australian Aboriginal words and phrases]] | [[Category:Australian Aboriginal words and phrases]] | ||
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| − | + | [[cs:Klokan quokka]] | |
| + | [[de:Quokka]] | ||
| + | [[eo:Kvokao]] | ||
| + | [[fr:Quokka]] | ||
| + | [[gl:Quokka]] | ||
| + | [[nl:Quokka]] | ||
| + | [[ja:クアッカワラビー属]] | ||
| + | [[pl:Kuoka]] | ||
Revision as of 12:57, 2 November 2007
The Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is a small macropod, about the size of a large domestic cat. Like other marsupials in the macropod family (such as the kangaroos and wallabies), the Quokka is herbivorous and mainly nocturnal.
Ecology
In the wild, its roaming is restricted to a very small range in the South-West of Western Australia. The Quokka has become rare, but remains a protected species on two islands off the coast of that area, Bald Island, Rottnest Island, Garden Island and rarely Penguin Island. Both islands are free of foxes and cats. On Rottnest Island, it is common and occupies a wide range of habitats, ranging from semi-arid scrub to cultivated gardens.
Classification
The Quokka is the only member of the genus Setonix. It weighs 2.5 to 5 kg and is 40 to 54 cm long with a 25 to 30 cm tail — which is rather short for a macropod. It has a stocky build, rounded ears, and a short, broad head. Although looking rather like a very small, dumpy kangaroo, it can climb small trees and shrubs. Its coarse fur is a grizzled brown colour, fading to buff underneath. The Quokka recycles a small amount of its waste products.
Behavior
The Quokka is gregarious and gathers in large groups where food is available: primary items are grasses, sedges, succulents and foliage. The health of some animals has suffered significantly by the ingestion of inappropriate foods, such as bread, given by well meaning visitors to Rottnest Island. Visitors are now asked to refrain from feeding them. It breeds at any time on the mainland, but in late summer on Rottnest. The Quokka only produces a single joey in a year. Restricted availability of the trace element copper appears to be a major limiting factor of the ability of the Quokka to breed on Rottnest.
The Quokka's movements are similar to a kangaroo, using mixture of small and large hops.
Interaction with Humans
Quokkas have no fear of humans and it is common for them to hop up close enough to humans to be petted, particularly on Rottnest Island. Although it is not encouraged due to the diseases and germs they can carry.
Status
Although numerous on the small offshore islands, it has a very restricted range and is classified as vulnerable. On the mainland, where it is threatened by introduced predatory species such as foxes, it requires dense ground cover for refuge. This refuge has been taken away from the Quokka due to loss of habitat due to agriculture which has contributed to the decline of the Quokka as well. Also, human-introduced cats and dogs, as well as dingoes, have contributed to the problem, as has the clearing and burning of the remaining swamplands the Quokka have left.
European discovery
The Quokka was one of the first Australian mammals seen by Europeans. The Dutch mariner Samuel Volckertzoon wrote of sighting "a wild cat" on Rottnest Island in 1658. In 1696 Willem de Vlamingh mistook them for rats and named the island "Rottenest", Dutch for "rat nest".
References
External links
cs:Klokan quokka de:Quokka eo:Kvokao fr:Quokka gl:Quokka nl:Quokka ja:クアッカワラビー属 pl:Kuoka
