On Thu, 11 Mar 1999, Stephen P. Stewart wrote:

> Answer: Whistle pigs???

Talk about a delayed response! By now you know it's "salamander" but you've brought up another of my favorites. "Whistle pig" refers to marmots, the portly, colossal ground squirrels familiar to hikers in the high Rockies, especially talus slopes (and whose close relative the woodchuck is common in parts of the Georgia piedmont and mtns.). They live in matrilineal social groups, and the loud whistle is the alarm call given when a sentinel sights a potential predator (for which a hiker may be mistaken).

> > Serious question: What is the advantage of a fur lined pouch instead of one > without? >

First, the advantage of having it outside the mouth is keeping food items intended for long-term storage dry and away from salivary enzymes and also being able to expand the volume to a greater degree. As for fur lining, I can think of 2 advantages. First, I imagine seeds and other plant parts slide in and out better--they'd tend to stick against naked skin, and they'd also tend to rub the skin a little raw, so the fur protects the skin.

Brad ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brad Bergstrom, Ph.D., Professor TEL 912-333-5770 /-5759 Department of Biology FAX 912-333-7389 Valdosta State University e-mail: bergstrm@valdosta.edu Valdosta, GA 31698-0015 Home: 912-333-0743 Home Page-- http://www.valdosta.edu/~bergstrm/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------