Tracking powder used for rodent control is ingested because rats groom themselves. Which behavior explains this mechanism?

Study for the Michigan Vertebrate Pest Management (Category 7D) Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Tracking powder used for rodent control is ingested because rats groom themselves. Which behavior explains this mechanism?

Explanation:
Tracking powder works because rodents engage in a lot of grooming to keep themselves clean. The powder that sticks to their fur becomes available for ingestion when they lick or rub themselves as part of grooming. This self-cleaning behavior is what brings the powder into the mouth, delivering the toxicant. So, the behavior that explains this mechanism is grooming. Digging, sleeping, or eating don’t account for how the powder ends up being ingested during normal rodent activity; grooming specifically explains the licking that leads to intake of the powder.

Tracking powder works because rodents engage in a lot of grooming to keep themselves clean. The powder that sticks to their fur becomes available for ingestion when they lick or rub themselves as part of grooming. This self-cleaning behavior is what brings the powder into the mouth, delivering the toxicant. So, the behavior that explains this mechanism is grooming. Digging, sleeping, or eating don’t account for how the powder ends up being ingested during normal rodent activity; grooming specifically explains the licking that leads to intake of the powder.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy