Evaluate Basic External Animal Anatomy and Morphology - AgriSETA

Evaluate Basic External Animal Anatomy and MorphologyPrimary Agriculture NQF Level 1 Unit Standard No: 11617327• The earsBehind the eyes are the two external openings of the hearing organssurrounded by a movable pinna (large oval shaped ear structure).• The neck The trunkThe neck is short and joins the head to the trunk.The following are found on the trunk:• The limbsThe forelimbs consist of an upper arm, a forearm and a hand with fivefingers, each of which ends in a nail.The hind limb comprises a thigh, a shin and a foot with four toes, eachending in a nail. There is a kneecap in front of the knee joint.• The anusThe posterior (rear end) opening of the digestive tract is found at therear end of the trunk.• The tailThe tail is short in a rabbit or long in rats and mice. The guinea pig hasno tail. Some mammals, like mice, use their tail during climbing. Someother mammals, like most of the primates, use their tails for balanceand some even as an extra limb to help them in climbing trees. ReproductionMost mammals give birth to live young therefore they are viviparous (givebirth to live offspring). The mother feeds the young on milk. Rabbits, ratsand mice breed throughout the year. BreathingAll mammals breathe by means of lungs.Version: 01 Version Date: July 2006