Exam 1 objectives - Avian & Reptiles

Question 1

4. Define ectotherm & POTR (POTZ)

Answer 1

ectotherm - are animals that depend on environmental temperatures to maintain their own temperature

• stenothermal - terrestrial reptiles, can tolerate temperatures within a relatively narrow range
• eurythermal - aquatic reptiles, can tolerate temperatures within a wider range

POTR (POTZ) - _P_referred _O_ptimal _T_emperature _R_ange or _Z_one

Environment should have a cooler resting area, a moderate temp zone & a basking space (3 different temp zones)

Question 2

what type of blood cell is this

Answer 2

nucleated red blood cell (nRBC)

Question 3

what stimulates ecdysis?

Answer 3

ecdysis = regular shedding of skin

thyroid & age

Question 4

what is the condition in which no shedding takes place?

what factors influence this?

Answer 4

disecdysis

dehydration, scars, inappropriate humidity causing lack of shed over digits & tail -> necrosis

Question 5

3. husbandry requirements for reptiles

Answer 5

temperature

• zones for heating & cooling (3 optimal)
• radiant heat source,

measurement of temps

lighting

• both UVA & UVB necessary
• UVA for behavior; UVB for Vit D3 w/in skin
• 18”
• not through glass (deflects UVB)

humidity

• sub-topical 70-90%
• temperate 60-80%
• desert 30-50%

Question 6

2. different restraint techniques used for reptiles

Answer 6

Snakes:

index finger & thumb around mandible

support body w/ hand q 3 ft

snakes > 5-6 ft minimum 2 handlers

Remember single occipital condyle - predisposed to A-A subluxation

Sm. Lizards:

grasp head firmly with index fingher & thumb

hold front & back legs against body

hold body in cup of hand

DO NOT grab tail

Med Lizard:

support on arm with hand controlling head (football carry)

Crocodilians:

Tape mouth shut

hold tail at base

Chelonians:

Juveniles - terrestrial = lateral margins of carapace; aquatic = carapace just caudal to head & b/n the rear flippers

Adults = watch head & flippers