PREDATOR/PREYComparative Anatomy of a Dog and a Rabbit

Commonalities of All Mammals

Have mammary glands Have a single lower jaw Have hair Are endotherms Have a diaphragm Have a four-chambered heart

Dog Characteristics

Smell

Excellent sense of smell. Helps them to sense prey

Eyes

Eyes in Front of Head Allows for depth

perception

Whiskers

Sensitive whiskers Whiskers work with

air currents to pinpoint where prey might be

Touching whiskers closes the dog’s eye for protection

Eyelids

Nictitating membrane acts as third eyelid

Feet

Walk on toes at 90° angle

Paw pads for protection

Maintaining Body Temperature Main cooling is

from panting

Teeth

42 teeth in adult There are four types of

teeth. Incisors are the primary

biting teeth. The canine teeth bite

and tear food. The premolars shear,

grind and mash food. Molars are responsible

for the most rigorous chewing.

Reproduction

Gestation period is 63 days

Only goes into heat (estrus) twice a year so can get pregnant only twice a year

Has an average of 6-8 babies at a time depending on breed

Rabbit Characteristics

Smell Excellent sense of smell. Helps them

to sense predators

Eyes

Eyes on sides of head Allows for two fields

of vision – looking for predators and escape route simultaneously

Poor depth perception

Whiskers Sensitive whiskers

Eyelids

Nictitating membrane acts as third eyelid

Feet

Flat-footed with no foot pads

Use claws for traction

Maintaining Body Temperature Large ears for

temperature control and hearing

Teeth

Two pairs of incisors in upper jaw. One smaller pair behind the larger pair

28 teeth that grow continuously

They have molars and premolars too!

Reproduction

Gestation period is 31 days

Does not go into heat (estrus) so can get pregnant at any time

Has an average of 6-8 babies at a time depending on breed