preview

The Effects Of Placental Mammals On Humans

Decent Essays

As humans, we get the opportunity to share and coexist on this planet with some extraordinarily unique and diverse organisms. Of such organisms, the placental mammals are some of the most adaptable organisms on earth, residing in places as harsh as the Savannah Desert and the Arctic. Here in Minnesota, we have 75 species of mammals ranging from the large majestic Moose to the small and nimble Least Shrew. I got the opportunity to further research the Bobcat, in hopes of understanding their feeding behavior, reproductive patterns, seasonal movements, and communication interspecifically as well as intraspecifically. Bobcats belong to the order Carnivora, family Felidae and their scientific name is Lynx rufus. “Lynx in Latin means lamp, from …show more content…

Male bobcats with their large, muscular bodies have been seen to regularly kill deer, usually fawns or does in poor physical condition, although in some cases adult bucks have been taken as well. With that being said, when a severe winter occurs male bobcats tend to have a higher survival rate compared to female bobcats. Bobcats are extraordinary hunters, that stalk their prey with immense patience and stealth. “Like most wild felines, bobcats are not capable of extended chases, so they must get close to their prey, without being seen, before launching their attack” (Hansen 29). One in such adaptation that bobcats, as well as many other felines possess allowing them to diminish the gap between them and their prey is the,“webbed skin and fur between their toes” that help muffle sound as they stalk their prey (Hansen 33). Bobcats also have sharp retractile claws that are important for seizing and controlling prey so that the killing bite can be delivered. In reference to a bobcat’s teeth, they also have a distinguishing characteristic in that they lack a set of premolars, which gives them 28 teeth instead of the usual 30 found in other felines. Bobcats tend to primarily be solitary hunters, but on occasion females and their kittens will

Get Access