Abstract
Several different types of rodents are found among the specialized mammals exploiting the subterranean ecological niche. Tunnels dug by them can often be detected through the mounds of earth thrown up during the burrowing. Striking anatomical and behavioral adaptations are associated with their fossorial mode of life (Ellerman, 1956; Pearson, 1959). The mole rats of the genus Spalax are an extreme example of such rodents; they are largely confined to a subterranean existence. Their adaptations include the great reduction in the development of their eyes, which are not visible externally.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Comparative Mammalian Cytogenetics |
Subtitle of host publication | An International Conference at Dartmouth Medical School Hanover, New Hampshire, July 29–August 2, 1968 |
Editors | Kurt Benirschke |
Place of Publication | Berlin, Heidelberg |
Publisher | Springer Berlin Heidelberg |
Chapter | 4 |
Pages | 30-48 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Edition | 1 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-642-85943-4 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-3-642-85945-8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 1969 |