Explanation should include identification of exotic animals commonly kept as pets (e.g., rodents, rabbits, reptiles, birds, fish) and, for each species,

• identification of physical characteristics of breeds and normal anatomical variations
• dietary and habitat requirements
• environmental enrichment needs and methods
• natural behaviors (including those that may mask signs of illness)
• common health/disease issues and preventive practices (e.g., checking for malocclusion, trimming overgrown nails/beaks, providing dust baths)
• appropriate sanitation methods for housing and equipment based on species-specific pathogen risks.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is it important to learn about exotic animals commonly kept as pets?
• What resources are available to study these species and their habitat requirements?
• How could failure to understand habitat requirements contribute to illness in a pet?
• What color variations occur within a species?
• What common diseases affect a given species?