There are so many species on Earth that could be seen in almost everywhere but barely studied, star-nosed mole is one of them. This weird looking species has been seeking the attention of scientists for a quarter-century. Since then scientists have unearthed their physiological information, behaviors, diets and the insights of the evolution.
A research team from Vanderbilt University led by professor Kenneth Catania has presented the anatomical information and other facts at the American Association of Anatomists annual meeting held on April 22-26 in Chicago. In the journal of Experimental Biology 2017 researchers described that star-nosed moles are nearly blind but their sensory organs made them master finder.
Lead researcher Kenneth Catania who also worked as an undergraduate research assistant at the National Zoo in Washington, said,“Obviously they are among the weirdest looking creatures on the planet”. He also explained that when he started examining the star-nosed mole’s brain organization then he found something really surprising.
Here are some special characteristics of star-nosed mole that make them one of the most bizarre mammals. The most amazing fact is that they are a master eater, they can identify their food in less than two-tenths of a second which is faster than any other mammals in the world. They usually diet on bugs and other small insects and they took only eight milliseconds to analyze whether the item is edible or not.
According to Eurekalert, star-nosed mole’s star-shaped snout contains more than 100,000 nerve fibers in a very small area that make their organ five times more touch sensitive than the human palm. However, they have eyes but it’ completely useless, they use their small organ named touche fovea to get detailed information what is happening in their surroundings. Catania also added that when they move from one place to another, they continuously move their star organs to gather information and the movement of their prey.
Researchers compared the fovea with the human eyes. Their shovel-like front limbs help them to dig holes and climb trees. Another most interesting fact is, star-nosed mole is among the very few mammal species in the world that can smell under the water. They blow bubbles under the water and re-inhale to sniff the position of their prey.
