|
PAGE INDEX 1. Lateral view 2. Ventral view 3. Details 4. Web Links & Refs |
Rather an oddity, this animal is classified in a family all of its own. Zoologists think that the horizontal aspect of the zygomatic region, and the simple, rootless cheek teeth may be primitive characteristics, as they are not shown by other modern rodents. The distinctively shaped crowns of the cheek teeth, and the flattening of the whole skull make it readily identifiable. |
TAXONOMY
Order - Rodentia (rodents)
Suborder - Sciuromorpha
("squirrel-shape")
Family - Aplodontidae
(mountain beavers |
- Dental Formula : 1.0.2.3 / 1.0.1.3
 | 1.Mountain Beaver Skull, lateral view. |
 | 1.Mountain Beaver Skull, ventral view. |
| Details of Specimens Illustrated |
- Image 1
- Mountain Beaver xxxAplodontia rufa
- Stage - adult
- Source - Courtesy of private collector
- Measurements
Condylobasal length 68.0mm Zygomatic width 51.3mm - Stage - adult
- Scientific Name :
- Aplodontia - from the Greek "aploos" - simple and "odous" - tooth, referring to the simple structure of the cheek teeth.
- rufa - "red"
- This animal is sometimes called the Sewellel, from a Chinook word "shewallal", a cloak made from the skin.
- Aplodontia - from the Greek "aploos" - simple and "odous" - tooth, referring to the simple structure of the cheek teeth.
- Web Links & References
- University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web