Number of chromosomes
Striped Skunk: 50
|
Fox: 34
|
Dog: 78
|
Deer mouse: 48
|
Spotted Skunk: 64
|
Genetic Mechanisms behind a trait
Trait: Scent glands (Foul-smelling spray)All mephitids have scent glands that are well-developed and produce noxious odors to deter predators. All carnivores have anal scent glands, but they are extremely well developed in skunks. They are similar to, but have more developed glands then the glands found in species of the Mustelidae family. Skunks have two glands, one on either side of the anus, that produce a mixture of sulfur -containing chemicals (methyl and butyl thiols) that has a highly offensive smell that can be described as a combination of the odors of rotten eggs, garlic, and burnt rubber. Muscles located next to the scent glands allow them to spray with high accuracy as far as 2 to 5 meters (7 to 15 ft).
Skunks are apart of a major reservoir and vector of rabies, but present oral vaccines for use in skunks are not licensed.
Trait: Scent glands (Foul-smelling spray)All mephitids have scent glands that are well-developed and produce noxious odors to deter predators. All carnivores have anal scent glands, but they are extremely well developed in skunks. They are similar to, but have more developed glands then the glands found in species of the Mustelidae family. Skunks have two glands, one on either side of the anus, that produce a mixture of sulfur -containing chemicals (methyl and butyl thiols) that has a highly offensive smell that can be described as a combination of the odors of rotten eggs, garlic, and burnt rubber. Muscles located next to the scent glands allow them to spray with high accuracy as far as 2 to 5 meters (7 to 15 ft).
Skunks are apart of a major reservoir and vector of rabies, but present oral vaccines for use in skunks are not licensed.