Date of Award:

5-1-1982

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Biology

Department name when degree awarded

Life Sciences:Biology

Committee Chair(s)

Emily C. Oaks

Committee

Emily C. Oaks

Committee

K. L. Dixon

Committee

J. A. Gessaman

Committee

B. K. Gilbert

Abstract

Locomotion and climbing ability of rock squirrels (Spermophilus variegatus) were studied in an outdoor enclosure from June 15 to July 30, 1981, and in an indoor enclosure from October 1981 to June 1982. Dowels and tree branches of different diameters were used to test the animals' climbing ability and movements. Uinta ground squirrels (Spermophilus armatus) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) were used for comparison. Animals were filmed with a 16 mm camera and a videotape earners. Films were analyzed using a slow motion projector, and drawings were made directly from the films. Speed in m/s and kph and maximum horizontal and vertical jumps were recorded for all three species. Climbing and movements on dowels and branches were monitored by direct observation as well as by analyzing the films. All three species walk in typical quadrupedal slow walk, and all were able to climb large supports; however, Uinta ground squirrels had great difficulty. Speed and horizontal and vertical jumps were measured for all three species. This study showed that rock squirrels are in an intermediate position between Uinta ground squirrels and rock squirrels in their arboreal adaptations. Modern rock squirrels may be comparable in arboreal ability and behavior to the stock that gave rise to terrestrial ground squirrels.

Download

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .