Prey Identification
In this investigation, we are limiting the identification of food items to four major mammalian groups.
Distinguishing Features:
Feeding Behavior:
There are numerous species of rats (e.g., brown rat, Norwegian rat). Rats tend to be omnivorous feeders and are capable of eating a wide variety of foods, both plant and animal. Their chisel like front teeth (incisors) are an adaptation for gnawing. Their flattened molariform teeth help them to grind up the plant matter.
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Distinguishing Features:
- large skull - the length is 35 mm (1.4 inches) or larger [the skull illustration is an enlargement to show detail]
- toothless space (called a diastema) between the front incisors and the molariform (cheek) teeth
- incisors have orange enamel on their front
Feeding Behavior:
There are numerous species of rats (e.g., brown rat, Norwegian rat). Rats tend to be omnivorous feeders and are capable of eating a wide variety of foods, both plant and animal. Their chisel like front teeth (incisors) are an adaptation for gnawing. Their flattened molariform teeth help them to grind up the plant matter.
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Credits: Skull (Dennis J. Gemmell) / Rodents (Dorling Kindersley)
Distinguishing Features
- small skull - the length is less than 35 mm [the skull illustration is an enlargement to show detail]
- toothless space (called a diastema) between the front incisors and the molars
- incisors have orange enamel on their front
Feeding Behavior:
There are numerous species of mice (e.g., white footed mouse, meadow vole). Mice tend to be opportunistic omnivores. While they may eat small invertebrates at times, they mainly prefer to eat plants. Their chisel like front teeth (incisors) are an adaptation for gnawing. Their flattened molariform teeth help them to grind up the plant matter.
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Credits: Skull (Dennis J. Gemmell) / Vole (Dorling Kindersley)
Distinguishing Features
- small skull that is triangular shaped [the skull illustration is an enlargement to show detail]
- there is NO toothless space (called a diastema) between the front incisors and the molars
- teeth have pigmented enamel
Feeding Behavior:
Shrews are predators. Their teeth are adapted for capturing and tearing apart a variety of prey that they capture.
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Credits: Skull (Dennis J. Gemmell) / Vole(Dorling Kindersley)
Distinguishing Features
- small skull that is not triangular shaped [the skull illustration is an enlargement to show detail]
- there is NO toothless space (called a diastema) between the front incisors and the molars
- teeth have no pigmented enamel
Feeding Habitats:
Moles are predominantly carnivorous and eat a variety of animals (e.g., earthworms, white grubs, adult and larval beetles, spiders, ants) that they encounter during their underground searching.
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Credits: Skull (Dennis J. Gemmell) / Mole (Dorling Kindersley)