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Studying mammals: Chisellers
Ever wondered why rats, mice and squirrels seem to reproduce at such an alarming rate? Rodents are among the most successful of all the mammal groups. In this free course, Studying mammals: Chisellers, you will learn more about some of the evolutionary features that make these creatures so plentiful. This is the third course in the Studying mammals series.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- explain the implications of a seed/nut-eating habit
- suggest why rodents are a successful order of mammals
- describe adaptation, based on knowledge of the theory of biological evolution by natural selection
- explain how altruistic characteristics can be understood in terms of kin selection and inclusive fitness
- give examples of the fitness costs and benefits associated with different reproductive behaviours.
First Published: 09/08/2012
Updated: 16/03/2016
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