Weird Animals Lecture Notes

Introduction

Classification: Unique amphibian; type of salamander.
Characteristics:
- Lives entirely in water.
- Known as Mexican walking fish.
- Retains juvenile features (neoteny): feathery gills, long dorsal fins.
Diet: Carnivorous; eats worms, insects, crustaceans, small fish.
Ecological Role:
- Historically top of the food chain.
- Threatened by invasive species (perch, tilapia).
Interesting Facts:
- Can regenerate almost any body part (e.g., limbs, parts of the brain).
Conservation Status: Critically endangered; more in captivity than in the wild.

Classification: Largest nocturnal primate.
Characteristics:
- Size: About 16 inches long.
- Appearance: Coarse dark brown/black fur, bulging eyes, large ears, bushy tail.
- Special features: Reflective eye layer for night vision.
Diet: Insectivore; uses specialized middle finger to extract insects and larvae.
Ecological Role:
- Seed dispersal aids in forest regeneration.
- Controls wood-boring beetle larvae population.
Interesting Facts:
- Teeth grow perpetually like rodents.
- Named for vocalizations when fleeing danger.

Characteristics:
- Found at 2,000-3,900 feet deep in the ocean.
- Gelatinous body mass provides buoyancy.
Diet: "Lie-in-wait" predator; consumes whatever floats into its mouth.
Ecological Role:
- Bottom feeder; balances plant matter and mesk population.
Conservation Status: Endangered due to overfishing and low survival of offspring.
Interesting Facts:
- No muscle; difficult to cook.
- No predators due to depth and pressure.
- Reportedly tastes like lobster to those who've eaten it.

Why are axolotls no longer at the top of the food chain?
- Invasive species such as perch and tilapia.
What word best describes all three animals?
- Unique.
Do blobfish have many predators?
- False, they have no predators.