The Mississippi paddlefish is not alone in having special adaptations on its head. Below is a list of familiar Illinois animals that also have special modifications of the head. Match the animal with the description of the adaptation on the right.
B. Hard, branched head growths, called antlers, are used as a display to
attract females and to spar with other males.
C. The moist, leathery nose is very sensitive to scents on the ground. It can
help find prey and distinguish the scent of other individuals of its species
that have been present in an area.
D. The large, strong incissor teeth can chew through wood.
E. Large, sensitive ears pick up clicking noises that are emitted from
the mouth and bounce back after hitting an object. This is a form
of echo-location.
F. Eyes are greatly reduced due to subterranean life, where they are of little
use and would be easily damaged by soil. Also, the nose is soft and sensitive
to feel and taste.
G. Long, fleshy whiskerlike growths are sensitive organs that can locate food
in the mud.
H. Large, hooked beak is capable of tearing small pieces of flesh from a fish
or other prey.
I. Long, jointed antennae are used to "feel" the path in front of them. They
are able to detect a chemical trail left by others of their kind who traveled
the path before them.
J. Large, fluffy antennae of the males have many chemical receptors that are
able to detect even the faintest chemical cue from a female.
K. Pit in front of the eye is able to detect the body heat of warm-blooded
animals.
Carolyn Nixon, Center for Economic Entomolgy
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