Nutrition
Martens are very effective
hunters. They are one of the few animals that have developed specialized
hunting habits. According to the
"Fishers are among the few
predators able to kill Porcupines. They do it by biting the
face, where there are no quills,
until the animal is too weak to prevent being rolled
over and attacked in the soft underbelly."
Martens are very effective hunters that eat rodents ranging is size from
small to medium including but not limited to rabbits, hares, birds and
porcupines. When the habitat of a marten has been disrupted by the settling of
humans, the Fisher has been known to eat chickens from chicken coops as well as
pet cats and small dogs.
Does it serve as a host for another organism?
It has been researched that the Martes pennanti acts as a host to many different parasites, including seven different species of helminthes. These parasitic worms include Baylisacaris dovosi, Taenia sibirica and Physaloptera sp. These parasitic worms attach to the intestine of the Marten and disrupt the nutrient absorption its digestive system. Studies have also shown that the presence of these parasitic worms is in direct correlation with the density of the Martens. Martens also play host to many other parasites like ticks.
Does it have a circulatory
system?
Just like most of the mammals today the marten do
have a circulatory system. The closed circulatory of mammals consists of a four
chambered heart, arteries veins and capillaries. These structures work together
to move nutrients, gases, and waste to and from all of the cells in the body.
Interesting Quotes About Martens:
“It’s a Marten Of A Different Color”
“You Can’t Teach An Old Marten New Tricks”