Nine-banded armadillo - Research Paper Example

of Affiliation Introduction/background information about the species - Include common and scientific s of the organism, thearea you and this species live (country, state, city, etc.), the areas biome classification, etc.Nine-banded armadillos or Dasypus novemcinctus is a prehistoric-looking mammal species found primarily in south and Central America. The first fossils of these animals in North America occurred 60 million years ago; and it was as large as a rhinoceros. Todays, nine-banded or long-nosed armadillo is much smaller; an adult weight ranges between 8 to 17 pounds (or 3.

5 – 8 kgs). This species is found in western Trans-Pecos portion of Texas and the east, although they can occasionally be located in the south, Missouri and South Carolina. Their natural habitat includes woods, brush, scrub and grassland.Life cycle of the species- Describe the life cycle of the organism you have chosen. The life cycle of an organism refers to the series of changes in both development and growth from its beginnings as an independent life form up until maturity, when it is able to reproduce.

Organisms like bacteria have relatively simple life cycles; however other organisms (e.g., plants) have very complex stages to their life cycle. Breeding in Nine-banded armadillo occurs in the summer. During this period the embryo is not implanted and remains like that until the 14 week following the mating season. Following the gestation period that lasts for four months, females almost at all times give birth to four identical young ones, all of the same sex. The young Armadillos are born with opened eyes and start walking after a few hours.

Their skin is usually soft but gradually hardens as they grow older. They are nursed for the next two months although they continue staying with the mother for some couple of month even after being weaned. Breeding for the young armadillos of both sexes may start as early like summer after their birth, but only come to full sexual maturity after two years. Full growth and sexual maturity comes at age 3 -4. Typically, this species live for about 7-20 years in the wild but for the caged ones it may go up to about 23 years.

Structure and Function- Describe the structure and function of at least one major organ system of the species (e.g., digestive system, reproductive system). Choose one system and explain how this organisms system is structured anatomically and physiologically. Identify any species-specific characteristics or adaptations that are particularly unique to this organism and explain Armadillos display a special form of circulatory system that allows it to conserve energy and thus keep a stable body temperature.

This species use reta mirabila (Latin word for “miraculous net”), a system of arteries and veins in their legs to accomplish this task. Here, warm blood going out via arteries undergoes a cooling process by the cold blood coming through the veins, and vice versa. Under this arrangement, very little heat is lost through the legs, a factor that keeps the body warm. Armadillos use Olfaction as a primary adaptation technique to allow its survival in its natural habitat. Here, Olfaction plays an important role while it is foraging.

Such is the case that they usually move with their nose raised, a factor that allow them smell invertebrates up to about 20 cm below the ground. Additionally, this species have the ability to stand bipedally, bracing their body with the tail and sniffing the air to locate food. Their strong sense of smell has also been found significant when trying to orient themselves with familiar places. The animals’ dependence on scent is reflected by matching advancement in their forebrains.Evolution of the organism - Evolution is simply heritable change over time.

Sometimes changes from one generation to the next can give individuals an advantage. Specifically a trait that increases reproductive success or survival ability could be advantageous. Include a section in your profile paper about your organism’s evolution. Here are possible ways to research the topic:Just like other species in their family, nine-banded Armadillos posse’s scales that make them akin to reptile. This reflects what has been termed parallel evolution, a case where different groups of animals independently evolve to provide the same solution to a common problem.

Armadillo’s ancestors are believed to have had a hairy body just like any other mammal and only ended up with the scaly body following evolution process that occurred in successive years. Present nine-banded armadillos have what is called an “armor” covering their back forehead, flank and the tail.Works CitedPotts, Steve. The Armadillo. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone, 1998. Print."The Nine-banded Armadillo: A Natural History." Choice Reviews Online (2013): 51-0890. Print.