Biology
Darwin’s Fox has evolved to its current biological features due to convergent evolution. This gives rise to the outward appearances closest to that of foxes yet they are closer in evolutionary biology to that of the wolf species. They are terrestrial mammals thus their lungs use alveoli for gas change use of oxygen. The canine respiratory system is like that of most mammalia. The oral cavity or nares serve as the initial pont of contact leading down the path of air exchange to the trachea, boncus, bronciles, then to the alveioli (Figure 1).
They will consume most any other animals and even plants to obtain essential nutrients so long as their gastro-intestinal system allows. They have a gastrointestinal system similar to most omnivores, including humans, that go from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, to the anus (including other organs in break down, absorption, and hormones) (Figure 2).
Figure 3
Darwin's Foxes are also endotherms using their dark grey with a hint of red colored fur as part of their form of insulation. Unlike most species that use sexual reproduction, their male and female counterparts are almost identical in appearance features outside of just the gonads. The male only has a slightly broader muzzle. Figures 3 and 4 show the general appearances and their reproductive life cycle. Male and female gametes join when matting is sussecful forming a new diploid organism, preganent females carry then give birth to pup(s), they grow into adults, then mate to continue the cycle. The sexual reproduction of Darwin's Foxes allows for the next generation to carry unique genes to strengthen the population in evolutionary sustainablity.
Figure 4
keywords: convergent evolution, alveoli, endotherms, sexual reproduction, gonads, essiential nutrients
Sources:
Darwin's Fox: The animal files. (n.d.). Retrieved January 2023, from http://www.theanimalfiles.com/mammals/carnivores/fox_darwins.html#:~:text=Main%20Characteristics%20Darwin%27s%20Foxes%20have%20a%20body%20length,grey%20in%20colour%20with%20a%20pale%20coloured%20underside
Fowler, S., Roush, R., & Wise, J. (2017). Chapter 16 and 18.1, Concepts of Biology. OpenStax College, Rice University.
Kuehn, N. F. (2023, January 31). Introduction to lung and airway disorders of dogs - dog owners. Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/introduction-to-lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs
Radtke, casey. (n.d.). My site. darwinsfox. Retrieved January 2023, from https://caseyradtkedarwinsfox.weebly.com/
world, P. by Z. (2022, June 13). Darwins Fox Information and personality. Zoological World. Retrieved January 2023, from https://www.thezoologicalworld.com/darwins-fox/#:~:text=The%20Darwins%20fox%20is%20a%20small%2C%20nocturnal%20species,evergreen%20forests%2C%20and%20in%20unmanaged%20Eucalyptus%20spp.%20plantations.