AY Honors/Marsupials/Answer Key

2006-02-27T18:11:32Z

68.78.23.118:

{{Taxobox
| color = pink
| name = Quokka
| image = Rottnest Quokka 2004 SeanMcClean.jpg
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
| subclassis = [[Marsupialia]]
| ordo = [[Diprotodontia]]
| familia = [[Macropodidae]]
| genus = ''[[Setonix]]''
| species = '''''S. brachyurus'''''
| binomial = ''Setonix brachyurus''
| binomial_authority = Quoy & Gaimard, 1830
}}
The '''Quokka''' (''Setonix brachyurus'') is a small [[macropod]], about the size of a large domestic cat. Like other [[marsupial]]s in the macropod family (such as the [[kangaroo]]s and [[wallabies]]) the Quokka is herbivorous and mainly nocturnal.

In the wild, it is now restricted to a very small range in mainland south-western [[Western Australia]], where it has become rare, and on two [[fox]]-free islands off the coast: [[Bald Island]] and [[Rottnest Island]] — which is its stronghold. On Rottnest it is common and occupies a wide range of habitats, ranging from semi-arid scrub to cultivated gardens.

Quokkas are the only member of the genus ''Setonix''. They are 40 to 54 [[centimeter|cm]] long with a 25 to 30 cm tail — which is rather short for a macropod. They have a stocky build, rounded ears, and a short, broad head. Although looking rather like a very small, dumpy kangaroo, they can climb small trees and shrubs. Their coarse fur is a grizzled brown colour, fading to buff underneath.

Quokkas are gregarious and gather in large groups where food is available: primary items are [[Poaceae|grasses]], [[Cyperaceae|sedges]], [[Succulent plant|succulents]] and foliage. They breed at any time on the mainland, but in late summer on Rottnest. Restricted availability of the [[Micromineral|trace element]] [[copper]] appears to be a major limiting factor of the ability of Quokkas to breed on Rottnest.

Although numerous on the small offshore islands, they have a very restricted range and are classified as vulnerable. On the mainland, where they must contend with introduced foxes, they require dense ground cover for refuge.

[[Image:Quokka-Raffi Kojian-CIMG6317.JPG|thumb|300px|left|Quokka adult and child]]

[[Category:Macropods]]
[[Category:Australian animals]]

[[de:Quokka]]
[[eo:Kvokao]]
[[fr:Quokka]]
[[ja:クアッカワラビー属]]
[[nl:Quokka]]
Human Impact
Tourists feed Quokkas human food which is very bad bad for their health considering that they're herbivores and only eat roots, leaves, etc.

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AY Honors/Marsupials/Answer Key