Hedgehogs Classification Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the classification hierarchy for hedgehogs?

Kingdom — Phylum — Class — Order — Family — Subfamily — Genus — Species (correct)

Genus — Order — Class — Family

Domain — Kingdom — Phylum — Class — Family

Class — Genus — Species

When was the first hedgehog brought to the United States?

1900

When was the North American Hedgehog Association (NAHA) created?

1993

What is the purpose of the International Hedgehog Association?

To educate the public in the care, knowledge, and promotion of hedgehogs. Signup and view all the answers

How did the hedgehog get its name?

From its habit of waddling along hedgerows and making grunting sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What is keratin?

The protein that makes up hair, nails, and horns. Signup and view all the answers

How many spines does a hedgehog have?

5,000 to 7,000 spines. Signup and view all the answers

Where is it illegal to own a hedgehog?

Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Maine, Vermont, Hawaii, New York City, Douglas County, Nebraska. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if you have a rapid change in diet for a hedgehog?

May cause diarrhea or stress. Signup and view all the answers

At what age do hedgehogs become sexually mature?

Eight weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What does polyestrous mean?

Having more than one estrous cycle per year. Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs of a female hedgehog rejecting a male?

Puffing, hissing, or snorting sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs when a female hedgehog is ready to mate?

The female will lie flat and put her spines down. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical gestation period for hedgehogs?

35 days. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical litter size for hedgehogs?

One to seven hoglets, with three being typical. Signup and view all the answers

How are hedgehog young born?

Deaf, blind, and helpless, covered by a thin membrane. Signup and view all the answers

When do hoglets begin to wean?

About 3 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What is anointing in hedgehogs?

Licking a new smell or object and smearing saliva on their spines. Signup and view all the answers

How long can hibernation last for hedgehogs?

A few weeks to a few months. Signup and view all the answers

What is estivation?

A period of inactivity and lowered body temperature during summer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifespan of hedgehogs?

3-5 years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical weight of a hedgehog?

10-18g. Signup and view all the answers

What is neoplasia in hedgehogs?

High tumor rate in animals over 3 years. Signup and view all the answers

What is wobbly hedgehog syndrome?

A condition caused by a lesion in the CNS. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when unrolling a hedgehog?

Leave it alone, place it in a shallow bath, stroke its rump. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common care tricks for hedgehogs?

Administering meds on top of a wire cage and trimming toenails. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common disorders in hedgehogs?

Obesity, dental prophylaxis, neoplasia, salmonella, trauma. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs belong to the following taxonomic hierarchy: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Insectivora, Family Erinaceidae, Subfamily Erinaceinae, with four genera and 14 species.

Introduction to Hedgehogs in the U.S.

The first hedgehog brought to the United States was a female obtained by the New York Zoological Society in 1900.
The National Zoological Park and New York Zoo also introduced hedgehogs to the U.S.

Hedgehog Associations

The North American Hedgehog Association (NAHA) was established in 1993 by breeders and lobbyists; its closure date remains uncertain.
The International Hedgehog Association was founded in 1999 to educate the public on hedgehog care and promote awareness.

Origin of the Name "Hedgehog"

The name "hedgehog" is theorized to stem from their habit of foraging along hedgerows while producing low grunt sounds similar to pigs.

Physical Characteristics

Hedgehogs have between 5,000 to 7,000 spines that protect them in the wild.
Keratin is the protein that forms their spines, hair, nails, and horns.

Ownership Regulations

It is illegal to own a hedgehog in several areas, including Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Maine, Vermont, Hawaii, and New York City boroughs.
There are restrictions on hedgehog ownership in Arizona, New Jersey, and Oregon.

Dietary Considerations

Rapid changes in diet can lead to diarrhea, a loss of appetite, stress, and illness in hedgehogs.

Reproductive Information

Hedgehogs reach sexual maturity at eight weeks, but breeding is recommended only after six months of age.
Males are referred to as boars, while females exhibit signs of rejection through puffing, hissing, or snorting.

Mating and Gestation

Female hedgehogs signal readiness to mate by lying flat and lowering their spines.
The gestation period lasts 35 days, resulting in a litter size ranging from one to seven hoglets, with three being typical.

Characteristics of Newborns

Newborn hedgehogs are born deaf, blind, and helpless, with spines covered by a protective membrane.
Their eyes and ears usually open around 10 to 12 days after birth.

Weaning Process

Hoglets are typically weaned around three weeks after birth. Handling is advised only post-weaning.

Unique Behaviors

Anointing occurs when a hedgehog encounters a new smell; it licks the object, creates foamy saliva, and coats its spines, often displaying side-to-side head movements.

Hibernation and Estivation

Hibernation duration can vary from a few weeks to several months, influenced by winter conditions.
Estivation is a summer inactivity period that helps hedgehogs avoid hot weather and food scarcity.

Lifespan and Weight

Hedgehogs generally live for 3 to 5 years and weigh between 10 to 18 grams.

Health Concerns

Neoplasia is common in hedgehogs over three years, with a notable incidence of mammary tumors and other malignancies.
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a significant CNS condition causing non-ambulatory symptoms.

Veterinary Care Insights

Vet recommendations for unrolling hedgehogs include allowing them to relax, shallow baths, or using anesthesia for thorough examinations as needed.
Care strategies involve creative methods for medication administration and nail trimming to minimize stress for the animal.

Common Disorders

Key health issues in hedgehogs include obesity, dental disease, neoplasia, salmonella infections, trauma, dermatitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, and neurologic disorders such as Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome.

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Description

Test your knowledge on hedgehog classification and history. This quiz covers the classification hierarchy of hedgehogs and fun facts about their introduction to the United States. Perfect for biology enthusiasts and animal lovers!