Grey Wolf
By: C. M.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order |Family |Genus and Species | Works Cited
Kingdom: Animalia
multicellular
heterotrophic
no cell walls
specialized tissues
sexual reproduction
Phylum: Chordata
bilateral symmetry
segmented body/ segmented muscles
three germ levels and well developed coelom
single, dorsal, hollow nerve cord normally with enlarged brain
Class: Mamalia
three middle ear bones
hair/ fur
produce milk with mammary glands
teeth replaced once in a lifetime
Order: Carnivora
fourth upper premolar and first lower molar enlarged for shearing meat and tendon
carnivorous (eat meat)
usually medium sized
most have acute senses
excellent hearing and seeing
extraordinary sense of smell
relatively large brains
good runners
built for rapid sprints to catch prey
Family: Canidae
medium sized meat-eaters
more omnivorous than other carnivores
good sense of smell important
legs and feet moderately elongated
usually five front toes; four in back
non-retractable claws
elongated facial region
large canine teeth
crushing molars
Genus and Species: Canis Lupus
grey wolf
divided into several subspecies including:
Canis lupus baileyi- Mexican wolf or lobo
Canis lupus nubilus- Great plains or buffalo wolf
Canis lupus occidentalis- Rocky
Mountain wolf
Canis lupus lycaon- eastern timber
wolf
Canis lupus arctos- artic wolf
It is astonishing that a creature so magnificent as the wolf is so misunderstood. The grey wolf is from the phylum chordata. The grey wolf is an amazing carnivorous animal that is prey only to humans, so can live almost anywhere.
The wolf's physical characteristics help it in many ways. For example, the wolf's fur is thick and coarse. This shows that it is well adapted to the elements such as rain and cold. Another example is the wolf's forty-two sharp teeth. This shows that wolves are carnivores that rip through flesh, skin and tendons. One more example is the wolf's large paws, which are four to five inches across. This shows that wolves are able to run quickly across snow or rough terrain to catch their prey and knock them down with great force. The wolf has adapted well to being a skilled hunter.
The wolves are able to live almost anywhere since their only enemy is humans. There needs to be plenty of prey, such as elk, bison, caribou, deer, moose, etc. Wolves need to obtain energy and nutrients from the food they eat. Wolves need to have a lot of space. Since wolves live in packs, they need room to run around and hunt. Wolves need to be away from humans. Humans are wolves only enemy; they pollute the environment and build on the land the wolves hunt on. Wolves don't need a lot in their habitat to live well.
Wolves are amazing creatures which can live almost anywhere since they are prey to none but humans. Their highly advanced physical traits allow them to do what they do- hunt. They are so wonderful; people should be aware of the damage they are causing to the wolf populous through their actions and try to reverse the effect to the best of their ability.
 |
Lone wolf in the night Golden
eyes shine bright The
wolf is stalking |
Information
Wolf Baisics.
International Wolf Center. Mar. 2003 <http://www.wolf.org/wolves/learn/basic/faq.asp>.
Smith,
Julia. Canis Lupus. 30 Apr. 2002. University of Michigan. 16 Mar. 2003
<http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/canis/c._lupus$narrative.html>.
Muzzy, Catherine. Personal interview. 16 Mar. 2003.
Pictures
Yahooligins.
2002. Yahoo. 1 Apr. 2003 <http://www.yahooligans.com/content/animals/photo/4030.html>.
Sones, Michael. The
Wolf. Nov. 2002. BeautyWorlds.com. 1 Apr. 2003 <http://www.beautyworlds.com/wolf.htm>.
Sounds
Sones, Michael. The Wolf. Nov. 2002. BeautyWorlds.com. 1 Apr. 2003 <http://www.beautyworlds.com/wolf.htm>.
Best
Animations- Wolf2. Best Animations. 31 Apr. 03 <http://www.bestanimations.com/Animals/Mammals/Dogs/Wolves/Wolves2.html>.
