11.8. Peromyscus californicus: California Mouse http://www.ck12.org
Genetics
Evolution
The earliest forms of mammals started to evolve about 110 million years ago. The known ancestor of mammals is
an extinct animal of the genus Eomaia. Some fossils of the Eomaia were found in China. Eomaia had several traits
of mammals. The Eomaia were about 10 inches long. The Eomaia were tree climbers.
Ecology
California mice eat seeds, grasses, flowers, fungi, berries and insects. The California mouse also eats shrubs, fungi,
and spiders. Weasels and barn owls are among the California mouse’s chief predators.
The California mouse is a very reproductive rodent. Both the mothers and the fathers play very critical roles in raising
their pups. Without their mother and father they would have no chance. The average weaning age for California
mouse pups is five weeks. The average number of pups given birth to is two. The life span in the wild is 9 to 18
months and 5.5 years in captivity.
Anatomy and Physiology
Behavior
The California mouse spends most of it’s time in its nest with its pups. This behavior starts the day the pups are
born. This mouse is nocturnal and is alway out at dusk to night time. The California mouse will mostly never be out
during the day.
References
- Whitaker, John O.. National Audubon Society field guide to North American Mammals. Rev. ed., 2nd ed.
New York: Knopf :, 1996. Print. - http://www.animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Peromyscus_californicus/
- http://www.ck12.org/life-science/Mammal-Characteristics-in-Life-Science/lesson/Mammal-Characteristics—
Basic/ - http://www.departments.juniata.edu/biology/eco/documents/Borrelli_etal.pdf
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/16654/0
- http://www.icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/whitefooteddeermouse.asp
- http://www.naturebytesvideo.com
Attribution
Authors
- Dennis Smith, Jr.
- Luna Smith