Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: CliffordK on 09/09/2012 05:08:29

Title: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 09/09/2012 05:08:29
To compliment the A to Z of Science (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=12478.0) topic, we can now have a list of species primarily dedicated to zoology and zoological species. 

Everyone's contributions are welcome.  And, since this is all about zoology and zoological species, we'll start with Z so the anteater lovers have to wait their turn!!!

Please try to keep the list in order.

It is always a good idea to paraphrase information found on the web, and link sources of photos.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 09/09/2012 05:08:52
Zebra

Equine Species originating from Africa.  Noted for a striped coat.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fe%2Fe3%2FPlains_Zebra_Equus_quagga.jpg%2F399px-Plains_Zebra_Equus_quagga.jpg&hash=861f5bd01ec9a232f0f3e10116683e53)

There are actually several closely related subspecies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra#Classification), of which one, the quagga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quagga) is now extinct.  Different zebra species have between 32 and 46 chromosomes.  Horses have 64 chromosomes, and Donkeys have 62 chromosomes.  Horses and donkeys are able to breed with zebras, producing offspring called a Zebroid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebroid).  However, like mules (horse-donkey), the zebroids are sterile, and do not have additional offspring.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 10/09/2012 06:45:27
Yak
Yak at Yumdrok Yumtso Lake (from Yakipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yak))
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F3%2F3a%2FBos_grunniens_at_Yundrok_Yumtso_Lake.jpg%2F800px-Bos_grunniens_at_Yundrok_Yumtso_Lake.jpg&hash=d5da4429898f8737a6eb2c8c3c032c43)

A species of hairy hoofed animals closely related to cattle and bison, but generally with long hair.  There are both domesticated and wild populations.  They are originally from the high mountains and plateaus in Tibet, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: imatfaal on 10/09/2012 10:03:35
Xoloitzcuintli

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fe%2Fe0%2FYoungtoyxolo.jpg%2F220px-Youngtoyxolo.jpg&hash=f64d6b95832fcb3fd3f209d68019fc2e)

The Xoloitzcuintli (/ʃoʊloʊ.iːtsˈkwiːntli/ SHOH-loh-eets-KWEENT-lee); is a rare, hairless breed of dog, found in toy, miniature and standard sizes. It is also known as Mexican hairless dog in English speaking countries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xoloitzcuintle
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: neilep on 10/09/2012 10:18:30
Wrasse

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The wrasse is a typically small species of fish, found in the coastal waters of the world's major oceans. The Cleaner wrasse is the most commonly known wrasse species as it is often seen alongside other marine animals, including sharks.
There are more than 500 different species of Wrasse found in the shallower coastal waters and coral reefs, of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. Wrasse most commonly inhabit areas that have an abundance of both food and places to hide, making coral reefs and rocky shores the perfect home for the wrasse.

Cleaner wrasse are the most well-known wrasse species as they are often seen going into the mouths of large marine animals in order remove the dead material inside. Cleaner wrasse feed on dead tissues, scales and parasites that lurk inside the mouth of the larger animal, and few are actually eaten by the predator that they are assisting.

SOURCE: A-Z (http://a-z-animals.com/animals/wrasse/)
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 11/09/2012 05:05:20
Velociraptor

Bipedal feathered (but flightless) carnivore from the  Late Cretaceous period,  75 to 71 Million years ago. 

A dromaeosaurid, weighing about 15 kilos, and about 2 meters long and a half a meter high at the hip.

From Wikipedia: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velociraptor)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fd%2Fd9%2FVelociraptor_28-12-2007_15-06-24.jpg%2F800px-Velociraptor_28-12-2007_15-06-24.jpg&hash=d27024ba2f57017dc89057e9af4c5a7a)
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 11/09/2012 18:05:10
Sea Urchin

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F4%2F4b%2FRiccio_Melone_a_Capo_Caccia_adventurediving.it.jpg%2F663px-Riccio_Melone_a_Capo_Caccia_adventurediving.it.jpg&hash=2fecc9e4bd62a9da4b72ffbfec5fdd0e)
Wikipedia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_urchin)

A family of small spiny animals that inhabit the coastlines around the world, as well as up to 5 km deep.  They are slow moving, feeding on mainly algae and plankton, but do feed on a number of other sea invertebrates.  Their teeth are capable of chewing through rock. They are well protected by the spines, but are still an important food source for a number of predators including sea otters.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: neilep on 11/09/2012 18:11:02
The Tuatara...

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 ...........is a reptile endemic to New Zealand which, though it resembles most lizards, is actually part of a distinct lineage, order Rhynchocephalia. The two species of tuatara are the only surviving members of its order, which flourished around 200 million years ago. Their most recent common ancestor with any other extant group is with the squamates (lizards and snakes). For this reason, tuatara are of great interest in the study of the evolution of lizards and snakes, and for the reconstruction of the appearance and habits of the earliest diapsids (the group that also includes birds, dinosaurs, and crocodiles).

SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuatara)
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: imatfaal on 14/09/2012 10:13:24
Seahorse and Scientist

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.mongabay.com%2F11%2F1115Helen_Scales_and_seahorse280.jpg&hash=7cc8f94ec050e0ceae7e31bff692db40)

The Scientist is of course Doctor Helen Scales.  From here http://news.mongabay.com/2011/1121-neme_seahorses_stress.html

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.guim.co.uk%2Fsys-images%2FGuardian%2FPix%2Fpictures%2F2009%2F10%2F30%2F1256925830471%2Fseahorses-mating-001.jpg&hash=a7eb46ddfe65607dd2d690384f9c535c)

From Helen's Book Poseidon's Steed (http://HelenScales.com)

BTW Helen - your website is down.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 15/09/2012 06:27:38
Rat which is a type of Rodent

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F6%2F67%2FRat_diabetic.jpg&hash=5ddc26065ff33c597e6f01647bebcd70)
from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat)

Often considered an unwanted pest around the house.  Rats have been considered carriers of some diseases.  The rat flea is believed to have been responsible for transmission of the bubonic plague in Europe.

The rats can be very social, and some people keep them as pets.

They are also an important species for medical and scientific testing.  For better or worse, there is much less stigma against rat and mouse testing than cat, dog, or primate testing.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: neilep on 16/09/2012 16:18:16
Quetzal

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The Quetzal is a medium sized bird that is found inhabiting the moist, tropical rainforests of Central America from southern Mexico right down into Panama. There are six sub-species of Quetzal that are found in varying geographic locations including the Crested Quetzal, the Golden-headed Quetzal, the White-tipped Quetzal, the Pavonine Quetzal, the Eared Quetzal and the most famously known Resplendent Quetzal, all of which belong to the Trogon family of birds. The Quetzal is an immensely coloured animal with metallic plumage and is widely considered to be one of the most strikingly-beautiful birds in the world. They are most well known for the long tail feathers of the males.

SOURCE: A-Z (http://a-z-animals.com/animals/quetzal/)
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 16/09/2012 20:31:06
Possum

Small marsupial native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi.  Not to be confused with the Opossum from the Americas.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F22%2FTrichosurus_vulpecula_1.jpg%2F366px-Trichosurus_vulpecula_1.jpg&hash=44943463fb114f1b0dab8729fb3965d6)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Possum)

They are considered diprotodont (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diprotodont), and are related to the kangaroos.  Like the kangaroos, the females have pouches where the young develop.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 16/09/2012 20:31:19
Opossum

Small marsupial native to North and South America.  Often incorrectly called a possum, the opossums are distinct from the Australian possums.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F27%2FOpossum_2.jpg%2F730px-Opossum_2.jpg&hash=c37ea81b8c46043f3f42153d064fe7c5)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opossum)

However, like the possums, the opossums also are born developmentally immature, and finish their development in a pouch.

The possums are noted to "play possum" when endangered, and often look quite dead when in fact they are not.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fe%2Fee%2FOpossum2.jpg%2F800px-Opossum2.jpg&hash=924403f1bd36c149636dec76864a6e04)
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 17/09/2012 22:06:09
Narwhal
Known as the Unicorn of the Sea.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.takeprideinutah.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F01%2Fred_narwhale.jpg&hash=d17138259b31012d651f275703ec0541)
http://www.takeprideinutah.org/hunt-for-ivory-endangering-the-narwhal.html
Also Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narwhal) notes.

They are a migratory species of whale that heads north into the Arctic every spring.  Their long horn is actually a tusk, that is used to break breathing holes in the ice, and perhaps for mating rituals.

Their main diet consists of Greenland halibut, polar and Arctic cod, cuttlefish, shrimp and Gonatus squid.  Other than the tusk, they are essentially toothless, and it is believed that they capture their prey by sucking the fish in along with a gulp of water.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 17/09/2012 22:16:43
Man & WoMan

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F22%2FDa_Vinci_Vitruve_Luc_Viatour.jpg%2F441px-Da_Vinci_Vitruve_Luc_Viatour.jpg&hash=d9da14b3b7615aef9c70910fe61b84ab)
Leonardo Da Vinci's  Vitruvian Man (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitruvian_Man) from Wikipedia.

If you're reading this...  you may have an idea of the species. 

The earliest known hominid fossils (currently debated) is about 6 to 7 million years old, Sahelanthropus tchadensis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahelanthropus), with a series of evolutionary steps culminating with Homo Sapiens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human) about 200,000 years ago.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: imatfaal on 19/09/2012 10:02:36
Liliger

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F6.mshcdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F09%2Fliliger-600.jpg&hash=b9474fe75630beba73db01fd7686a877)

The liliger is a hybrid cross between a male lion (Panthera leo) and a ligress (Panthera leo × Panthera tigris). The first hybrid was born at the Novosibirsk Zoo.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19633192
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 22/10/2012 01:10:34
Kangaroo

Native to Australia, the Kangaroo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo) is the largest of the marsupials.  It is noted for its pouch for the post-natal development of the young, as well as its upright hopping gate.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F0%2F0d%2FKangaroo_and_joey03.jpg%2F400px-Kangaroo_and_joey03.jpg&hash=8833f4f04707ce53b26d9c3f01b94700)
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 24/10/2012 19:06:00
Jackal

A type of wild dog of one of three subspecies: the black-backed jackal and the side-striped jackal of sub-Saharan Africa, and the golden jackal of northern Africa and south-central Eurasia, although not all closely related.  Often loaners, or hunting in pairs, and related to the North American Coyote. 

While they can interbreed with dogs, the fertility of the cross drops, and genetic problems often show up in later generations.

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackal)
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fc%2Fcc%2FSide-striped_Jackal.jpg%2F778px-Side-striped_Jackal.jpg&hash=9aec533129c3ae22b474015fd70b9247)
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 26/10/2012 08:27:02
Iguana

Large lizard native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Unlike many animals, it has a third eye on its head called a parietal eye.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F9%2F9b%2FSt_Thomas_Marriott_Iguana_9_cropped.jpg%2F637px-St_Thomas_Marriott_Iguana_9_cropped.jpg&hash=7c5e2059babfb65c5bc806acc239a447)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iguana)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenigsociety.org%2Fjpg%2Fparietal.jpg&hash=40dc03a8acb5d0736868f51ae6801e9f)
Iguana Anatomy (http://www.greenigsociety.org/anatomy.htm)

Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 30/10/2012 03:00:08
Hippopotamus

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fa%2Faa%2FNijlpaard.jpg%2F640px-Nijlpaard.jpg&hash=7116ece4e8660a484bc9204f45f3b59b)
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippopotamus)

Known as the third largest living land mammal after the elephant and rhinoceros.  It is considered semi-aquatic, from sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the Nile river and tributaries.  Their closest living relatives are actually the whales and porpoises.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 03/11/2012 02:18:18
Giraffe

Despite being the tallest living animal, reaching 16 to 20 feet tall, like most mammals, the giraffe only has 7 cervical vertibre (neck bones), the same number as humans.

Native to Africa, there are several localized subspecies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giraffe#Subspecies) of giraffe from different regions.

They are a vegetarian species, and use the long neck to reach tree leaves.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Ff%2Ff4%2FFlickr_-_Rainbirder_-_High-rise_living.jpg%2F359px-Flickr_-_Rainbirder_-_High-rise_living.jpg&hash=eb17dcab716698143d4bedd12e05c623)
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giraffe)
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: imatfaal on 05/11/2012 10:04:30
Fennec fox

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.izismile.com%2F%2Fimg%2Fimg2%2F20090114%2Fbonus%2F6%2Ffox_01.jpg&hash=3fbd47198cb330d2646d63be5e4d55a9)

Quote
The fennec fox or fennec (Vulpes zerda) is a small nocturnal fox found in the Sahara of North Africa. Its most distinctive feature is its unusually large ears, which serve to dissipate heat. Its name comes from the Arabic word فنك (fanak), which means fox, and the species name zerda comes from the Greek word xeros which means dry, referring to the fox's habitat.[2] The fennec is the smallest species of canid in the world. Its coat, ears, and kidney functions have adapted to high-temperature, low-water, desert environments. In addition, its hearing is sensitive enough to hear prey moving underground. It mainly eats insects, small mammals, and birds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennec_fox
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 11/12/2012 00:34:20
Electric Eel

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F0%2F03%2FElectric-eel2.jpg%2F640px-Electric-eel2.jpg&hash=dc4221e68b6cb48a1a3324d872851517)
from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_eel)

Native to South America, the Electric Eel can reach up to about 2 meters length, and 20 kilos.  It is capable of delivering shocks of about 500V, 1A, to incapacitate its prey, and potentially enough to fatally disrupt the cardiac rhythm of an adult human.

The power is generated by cells called electrocytes with ion channels that can be opened or closed much like neurons.   
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 14/12/2012 21:22:30
Dingo is a wild Dog from Australia.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F9%2F98%2FDingo_walking.jpg&hash=845810d648d485ec34232d15ce1e3482)
From Wikipedia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dingo)

While native to Australia, it is believed that many dingos are crossbred descendants of imported domestic dogs.  They are considered an apex predator.  They play an important role in population control of rabbits and kangaroos.  However, their role with livestock is controversial, and is likely that they kill some goats and sheep.  Cattle are likely less likely affected by wild dogs and may benefit from the hunting of other competitors for feed.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 18/12/2012 07:26:34
California Condor

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fd%2Fd5%2FGymnogyps_californianus_-San_Diego_Zoo-8a.jpg%2F640px-Gymnogyps_californianus_-San_Diego_Zoo-8a.jpg&hash=cfdf1963eef10ac6335f8c7996f4b2fc)
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fa%2Fa4%2FCondor_in_flight.JPG%2F400px-Condor_in_flight.JPG&hash=5a48ea6def4d48652936109c05243e1b)
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Condor)

The California Condor is considered the largest Land Bird in North America, with a weight of about 12 kilos, (26 lbs), and a wingspan of about 3 meters (9.8 feet).  The numbers dropped to about 22 in 1987, making it one of the rarest birds in the world.  The remaining wild birds were captured, and with breeding and programs such as prohibiting the hunting with lead bullets in condor range, the species was slowly reintroduced to the wild, now with about 405 total birds.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: CliffordK on 16/05/2013 22:01:05
Bovinae

A diverse subfamily of Bovidae consisting of large ungulates, including the Bison (American Buffalo), the Water Buffalo, the African Buffalo, and, of course, the domestic cattle, which the males, of course, are Bulls.  Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovinae)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F29%2FAmericanbison.jpg%2F800px-Americanbison.jpg&hash=d2b5627a119768edae7b5a71581c89b6)
American Bison (Buffalo)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F8%2F80%2FFlickr_-_Rainbirder_-_Bull_Water_Buffalo.jpg%2F800px-Flickr_-_Rainbirder_-_Bull_Water_Buffalo.jpg&hash=4dcc6f2d735140af433ca7b66e891caa)
Water Buffalo

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F6%2F66%2FSerengeti_Bueffel1.jpg%2F800px-Serengeti_Bueffel1.jpg&hash=116122df2f250cc5115ac2e95d4d04bf)
African Buffalo

Both domestic and wild bovines have been an important food source for humans, as well as a source of milk.  Cattle, of course, are sacred in parts of India and Nepal, where they generally are not eaten, but still used for milk production.
Title: Re: Z to A of Zoology and Zoological Species
Post by: axscientist on 27/01/2021 23:15:53
Aardvark