Science: Hedgehog Research

Hi there!

Today I will be sharing my knowledge about hedgehogs. 

Hedgehogs or Erinaceus europaeus are animals that primarily live in forests. They are instantly recognisable due to their prickly spikes. They are mammals and are also carnivorous creatures, eating slugs and sometimes even rabbits. Their bodies can span 12.7cm to 30.5cm and their tails span 2.5cm to 5.1cm. They generally weigh around 400g to 1.1kg, according to National Geographic. They are nocturnal animals but don't spend a lot of time out at night. They will usually scavenge for food 2-3 hours after the sun sets, they do this again about 6 hours later. 

How do Hedgehogs show M.R.S.G.R.E.N.? 

Movement - Hedgehogs show movement because they can move from one place to another easily with their 4 legs. They also have claws that help them grip the ground.

Respiration - Hedgehogs do use respiration. They can turn the food they eat into energy. 

Sensitivity - Hedgehogs can sense changes to their environment, for example, they are able to sense when it is night or day and use this to decide when to go scavenging. 

Growth - Yes, hedgehogs do grow. They start very small, but as mentioned above they can grow up to 30cm or so. This doesn't just apply to their body, their spikes grow with age and their brains develop to help them have a better chance of survival.

Reproduction - Hedgehogs reproduce, they are considered endangered in Britain.

Excretion - Hedgehogs urinate and get rid of stool often. 

Nutrition - Hedgehogs eat other animals to live and grow.

Adaptations 

Prickly spikes - The spikes of a hedgehog help it repel predators. When a hedgehog becomes frightened, it will use its strong back muscles to curl up into a ball, keeping its underbelly tucked and safe while its spikes are poking out. 

Colour - The colours of a hedgehog's spikes and fur help it blend in with its environment, therefore making it difficult for predators to spot them. This also helps them to prey on animals too. 

Poison protection - Hedgehogs can make special saliva which makes them immune to certain things which are normally poisonous. They sometimes lick their spikes to spread the poison as a form to protect themselves from predator attacks.

Claws - The claws of hedgehogs are very strong, making them good for digging. 

Predator and Prey Relationships

Hedgehog and the Weasel - In this relationship, the hedgehog is the prey and the weasel is the predator. The weasel has adapted its technique over time and has become quite masterful over time. 

Hedgehog and the Slug - In this relationship, the hedgehog is the predator whereas the slug is the prey. Hedgehogs will use their pointy snout and great sense of smell to sniff out slugs to eat them. 

Thanks for reading!