Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key"

Revision as of 22:28, 19 June 2007

Template:Taxobox The Chinese Hamster is a species of hamster, scientific names Cricetulus griseus, which originates in the deserts of northern China and Mongolia. These animals grow to between 7.5 and 9 cm in length and as adults can weigh 50-75 grams. They live two to three years on average. The Chinese hamster is often kept as a pet or (in the past) as a laboratory animal.

A Chinese hamster's body proportions, compared with those of other hamsters, appear "long and thin" and they have (for a hamster) a relatively long tail. Chinese hamsters are not related to the social "dwarf" hamsters. The term "dwarf" is often used to refer solely to animals in the genus Phodopus, (the two types of Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Roborovskii Dwarf Hamsters).

The wild colour is greyish brown above with a black stripe down the spine and a whitish belly. This coloration, combined with their lithe build and longer tail, makes them look "mousy" to some eyes and, in fact, they are members of the group called ratlike hamsters. Besides the wild colour, a well-known variation is the white-spotted Chinese hamster, which often is greyish white all over, with only a dark stripe on its back.

They have quiet temperaments and are easily handled; one of their endearing traits is that of clinging to a finger with all four paws, rather like a harvest mouse on a corn stalk. Chinese hamsters can be quite nervous as youngsters but, once they are tame, display an endearing calmness and gentleness of character.

In the past, Chinese hamsters were commonly used laboratory animals, until they were replaced by the common mouse and rat, which are easier to keep and breed. However, quite a few biotech drugs are still being produced by putting the gene for the protein into Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO cells), which then produce the protein.

Hamsters are awesome!

Of note, some US states such as California regard the Chinese hamster as a pest, and as a result require a special permit to own, breed or sell [1]. Other states such as New Jersey call it an exotic animal, and require a similar permit, in order to prevent the proliferation of non-indigenous animals [2].

Latin name

There is quite some confusion over the Latin name of the Chinese hamster and the closely related Chinese striped hamster. Some people consider the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) and the Chinese striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis) different species [3], whereas others classify them as identical [4], the Chinese striped hamster as a subspecies of the Chinese hamster (in which case the latin name of the Chinese striped hamster would be Cricetulus griseus barabensis) [5] or the other way round (in which case the latin name of the Chinese hamster would be Cricetulus barabensis griseus) [6].

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 {{Taxobox
 | color = pink
-| name = Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster
+| name = Chinese Hamster
-| image = Phodopus sungorus 2 - Colour corrected.jpg
+| image = Chinese Hamster.jpg
-| image_width = 250px
+| image_width = 220px
+| image_caption = Chinese hamster, white-spotted type
 | regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
 | classis = [[Mammal]]ia
 | ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
-| subordo = [[Myomorpha]]
-| superfamilia = [[Muroidea]]
 | familia = [[Cricetidae]]
-| subfamilia = [[Cricetinae]]
+| genus = ''[[Cricetulus]]''
-| genus = ''[[Phodopus]]''
+| species = '''''C. griseus'''''
-| species = '''''P. sungorus'''''
+| binomial = ''Cricetulus griseus''
-| binomial = ''Phodopus sungorus''
+| binomial_authority = Milne-Edwards, 1867
-| binomial_authority = (Pallas, 1773)
-| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
-| subdivision =
-''Phodopus sungorus sungorus''
-(see text)
 }}
-'''Winter White Russian hamsters''' are a species of [[Hamster]] in the genus ''[[Phodopus]]''.  They are typically half the size of the better-known [[Golden Hamster|Syrian hamster]], and therefore called dwarf hamsters along with all ''Phodopus'' species.  Features include a typically thick dark grey dorsal stripe and furry feet.  The tail is so short that it hardly shows when the hamster is sitting.  As winter approaches and the days shorten, Winter Whites' dark fur greys until it is almost completely white (hence the name).  In the wild, this adaptation helps them evade predators in the snow-covered steppes of winter.  They live mainly in [[Siberia]] and are also found in [[Dzungaria]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Mongolia]] and [[Manchuria]].
+The '''Chinese Hamster''' is a species of [[hamster]], scientific names ''Cricetulus griseus'', which originates in the [[desert]]s of northern [[China]] and [[Mongolia]]. These animals grow to between 7.5 and 9 cm in length and as adults can weigh 50-75 grams. They live two to three years on average. The Chinese hamster is often kept as a pet or (in the past) as a laboratory animal.
-It has been debated whether the Winter White hamster was a [[sub-species]] of the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's Dwarf Hamster]] (''Phodopus campbelli'') or not; however, recently it was decided that Winter Whites are of their own species, ''Phodopus sungorus''.
+A Chinese hamster's body proportions, compared with those of other hamsters, appear "long and thin" and they have (for a hamster) a relatively long tail. Chinese hamsters are not related to the social [[dwarf hamster|"dwarf" hamsters]]. The term "dwarf" is often used to refer solely to animals in the genus ''Phodopus'', (the two types of [[Phodopus sungorus|Russian Dwarf Hamster]]s and [[Phodopus roborovski|Roborovskii Dwarf Hamster]]s).
-The average lifespan of the Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster is 1½ to 2 years, although they can live longer.
+The wild colour is greyish brown above with a black stripe down the spine and a whitish belly.  This coloration, combined with their lithe build and longer tail, makes them look "mousy" to some eyes and, in fact, they are members of the group called [[ratlike hamster]]s. Besides the wild colour, a well-known variation is the white-spotted Chinese hamster, which often is greyish white all over, with only a dark stripe on its back.
-==Pet Ownership==
+They have quiet temperaments and are easily handled; one of their endearing traits is that of clinging to a finger with all four paws, rather like a harvest mouse on a corn stalk.  Chinese hamsters can be quite nervous as youngsters but, once they are tame, display an endearing calmness and gentleness of character.
-Winter Whites are often found on the [[pet]] market, in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]] more so than in [[North America]] and indeed are rarely found in pet stores in [[Canada]].  Care is similar to that of the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's Dwarf Hamster]].  Winter White hamsters generally make excellent pets; however, a larger [[Golden Hamster|Syrian Hamster]] would be more suitable for younger children, as they can be handled more clumsily.  Winter White hamsters should not be fed food containing sources of [[monosaccharide]]s because of the risk of developing [[diabetes mellitus]]{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.
-Winter Whites, in common with the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's Dwarf Hamster]] are sociable and will live together peacefully with others of their own species, but are best introduced at a young age and will require a sufficiently large cage to ensure they live together happily.
+In the past, Chinese hamsters were commonly used [[Experimental animal|laboratory animals]], until they were replaced by the common mouse and rat, which are easier to keep and breed. However, quite a few biotech drugs are still being produced by putting the gene for the protein into [[Chinese hamster ovary cell]]s (CHO cells), which then produce the protein.
+ Hamsters are awesome!
-<gallery>
+Of note, some [[US]] states such as [[California]] regard the Chinese hamster as a [[Pest (organism)|pest]], and as a result require a special permit to own, breed or sell [http://exoticpets.about.com/od/hamsters/p/chinesehams.htm].  Other states such as [[New Jersey]] call it an [[Introduced species|exotic animal]], and require a similar permit, in order to prevent the proliferation of non-indigenous animals [http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/xemptspp.htm].
-Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Front.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Front
-Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Side.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Side
-Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Rear.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Rear
-Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Face.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Face
-</gallery>
-==Breeding==
+==Latin name==
+There is quite some confusion over the Latin name of the Chinese hamster and the closely related [[Chinese striped hamster]]. Some people consider the Chinese hamster (''Cricetulus griseus'') and the Chinese striped hamster (''Cricetulus barabensis'') different species [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Undef&id=10028], whereas others classify them as identical [http://walnut.bioc.columbia.edu/srs7bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-id+4mKAd1Sl9c0+%5Btaxonomy-ID:10029%5D+-e], the Chinese striped hamster as a subspecies of the Chinese hamster (in which case the latin name of the Chinese striped hamster would be ''Cricetulus griseus barabensis'') [http://www.ratbehavior.org/pet_rodent_classification.htm] or the other way round (in which case the latin name of the Chinese hamster would be ''Cricetulus barabensis griseus'') [http://www.napak.com/chinese_hamster.html].
-In general, dwarf hamsters typically have more of a family structure than the [[Golden Hamster|Syrian Hamster]].  Conventional beliefs are that dwarf hamsters will happily live in mated pairs, with both male and female caring for the young.  However, this may be a result of a frequent confusion of the Winter Whites and the Campbell's hamsters.  Current research suggests biparental care in Campbell's hamsters (Phodopus campbelli) but not in Winter Whites (Phodopus sungorus).<ref>Research by Dr. Katherine Wynne-Edwards at Queen's University, Ontario, Canada</ref>  Some report that same-sex pairs and larger groups do not always get along well and frequent fighting may occur and be a great distress for them, or even lead to death. :-) You can keep the males in with the females when she has her litter, as the male is known to help the female with gathering food ect. This also has concequences, he might mate with the female again, if he does seperate the two adults before the next litter is born! :-)
+==References==
+*[http://www.napak.com/chinese_hamster.html The Chinese Hamster]
-==Phases==
+*[http://www.hamster-heaven.com Hamster Heaven]
+*[http://www.nic.funet.fi/pub/sci/bio/life/mammalia/rodentia/cricetidae/cricetulus/index.html Taxonomy of hamsters]
-There are several phases (colorations) of Winter White hamsters: their normal (dark brownish-grey colouring) or sapphire (blue-grey colouring).  A white pattern called pearl (white with coloured hairs) sometimes exists in either phase, producing the normal pearl or sapphire pearl forms.  However, these colours may be difficult to find, and the range of colours is much narrower than in the case of the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's]].
+*[http://www.ratbehavior.org/pet_rodent_classification.htm Pet rodent classification]
+*[http://www.mike-duquette.org/Hamster_Pages/species.htm Hamster species]
-Winter White hamsters, also called Siberian hamsters, come from the steppes of Siberia and Kazakhstan and possess an adaptation not seen in [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbells]]: they can moult into a white winter coat.  This camouflages them against the snow and also gives them their name.  This moulting is brought on by the amount of day light; if the hamster is kept in an environment with short duration of day light (< 12 hours of light/day) for more than 6 weeks, they will change into their winter coat (white guard hair with thick inner hair) with only a single black stripe going through the centre of the back.  Such seasonal moulting is mediated through the nocturnal secretion of melatonin, the hormone secreted by the pineal gland.  Short day lengths also triggers the regression of the gonads in both male and females, and thus Winter Whites become infertile.  Because Winter White hamsters show such photoperiodic and seasonal changes in physiology and various behaviours, it is also used as a research model system for studying seasonality and photoperiodism.
-<gallery>
+==See also==
-Image:Phodopus_sungorus.jpg|Normal colouration.
+*[[Chinese Striped Hamster]]
-Image:Winter White - Vaginal Spotting.png|Vaginal spotting on a 6-month-old Winter White.  The anus is visible as a more puckered orifice halfway from the vaginal entrance to the base of the tail.
-Image:Winter White - Vaginal Spotting - Zoom.png|More defined version of previous image.
-</gallery>
-== Campbell's/Winter White Hybrids ==
-Of the five species kept commonly as pets, only the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbells]] and Winter Whites are able to interbreed and produce live offspring (hybrids).  Hybrids are most often unknowingly produced through incorrect identification of the two similar species of hamsters, and unfortunately the number of hybrids is increasing particularly within pet shops in many countries today where they are often mislabelled as being one or other of the pure species.
-Although hybrids make suitable pets, the breeding of hybrids should be avoided as it can cause health and birthing problems, and also the widespread breeding and distribution of hybrids could threaten the existence of both pure species in captivity. Therefore, if intending to breed Russian hamsters it is important to ensure that both hamsters being bred are a pure form of, and of the same, species to avoid producing hybrids.
-==Footnotes==
-{{reflist|2}}
-==External links==
-*[http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/dwarf_winter_white_russian_hamsters.htm Pet Web Site (formerly The Complete Hamster Site) section on Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters]
-*[http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hybrid_hamsters.htm Pet Web Site (formerly The Complete Hamster Site) section on Hybrid Hamsters]
-*[http://www.hamster-heaven.com Hamster Heaven]
-*[http://www.xander.it/video.htm Xander.it] - Winter White video gallery
-*[http://www.furrycritters.co.uk FurryCritters]
 {{Hamster}}
 [[Category:Hamsters]]
+[[Category:Mammals of Asia]]
-[[cs:Křečík džungarský]]
+[[fr:Hamster de Chine]]
-[[de:Dsungarischer Zwerghamster]]
+[[ja:チャイニーズハムスター]]
-[[es:Phodopus sungorus]]
+[[hr:Kineski hrčak]]
-[[fr:Hamster russe]]
+[[nl:Chinese dwerghamster]]
-[[hr:Bijeli ruski hrčak]]
+[[pl:Chomik chiński]]
-[[it:Phodopus sungorus]]
-[[he:אוגר סיבירי]]
-[[nl:Russische dwerghamster]]
-[[ja:ジャンガリアンハムスター]]
-[[ko:윈터 와이트 러시안 햄스터]]
-[[pl:Chomik dżungarski]]
-[[ru:Хомячок джунгарский]]
-[[sl:Sibirski hrček]]
-[[fi:Venäjänkääpiöhamsteri]]
-[[zh:短尾侏儒倉鼠]]