The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is a small, semiaquatic mammal found in moist, low elevation areas in the northern parts of North America. It is the only extant member of the tribe Condylurini and genus Condylura, and it has more than 25,000 minute sensory receptors in touch organs, known as Eimer's organs, with which this hamster-sized mole feels its way around. With the help of its Eimer's organs, it may be perfectly poised to detect seismic wave vibrations.
Anatomy and physiology. The star-nose is a highly specialized sensory-motor organ shaped by 22 fleshy finger-like appendages, or tendrils, that ring their nostrils and are in constant motion as the mole explores its environment. The star itself is a centimeter across and thus has a diameter slightly smaller than a typical human fingertip. Nevertheless, it is much larger than the nose of other mole species, covering 0.92 cm2 (0.14 in2) per touch compared to 0.11 cm2 (0.02 in2) covered by the noses of other mole species.
Each tentacle is covered with thousands of Eimer's organs, which are tiny, hairless, sensory structures that are sensitive to touch, pressure, and vibration. The Eimer's organs are connected to the mole's brain by a bundle of nerves, and the mole is able to use this information to create a detailed map of its surroundings.
The star-nosed mole is also able to detect electrical fields, which it uses to help it find prey. This ability is thought to be due to the presence of special cells in the Eimer's organs that are sensitive to changes in electrical potential.
Behavior. The star-nosed mole is an active predator that feeds on a variety of small invertebrates, including worms, insects, and crustaceans. It spends most of its time underground, digging tunnels and searching for food. The mole is also an excellent swimmer and can even hold its breath for up to 30 seconds.
Reproduction. The star-nosed mole mates in the spring and summer. The gestation period is about 40 days, and the female gives birth to a litter of 2-5 young. The young are born blind and hairless, but they grow rapidly and are weaned at about 6 weeks old.
The star-nosed mole is a solitary animal and does not form social groups. It is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to control populations of small invertebrates. The mole is not considered to be a threatened or endangered species.
Anatomy and physiology. The star-nose is a highly specialized sensory-motor organ shaped by 22 fleshy finger-like appendages, or tendrils, that ring their nostrils and are in constant motion as the mole explores its environment. The star itself is a centimeter across and thus has a diameter slightly smaller than a typical human fingertip. Nevertheless, it is much larger than the nose of other mole species, covering 0.92 cm2 (0.14 in2) per touch compared to 0.11 cm2 (0.02 in2) covered by the noses of other mole species.
Each tentacle is covered with thousands of Eimer's organs, which are tiny, hairless, sensory structures that are sensitive to touch, pressure, and vibration. The Eimer's organs are connected to the mole's brain by a bundle of nerves, and the mole is able to use this information to create a detailed map of its surroundings.
The star-nosed mole is also able to detect electrical fields, which it uses to help it find prey. This ability is thought to be due to the presence of special cells in the Eimer's organs that are sensitive to changes in electrical potential.
Behavior. The star-nosed mole is an active predator that feeds on a variety of small invertebrates, including worms, insects, and crustaceans. It spends most of its time underground, digging tunnels and searching for food. The mole is also an excellent swimmer and can even hold its breath for up to 30 seconds.
Reproduction. The star-nosed mole mates in the spring and summer. The gestation period is about 40 days, and the female gives birth to a litter of 2-5 young. The young are born blind and hairless, but they grow rapidly and are weaned at about 6 weeks old.
The star-nosed mole is a solitary animal and does not form social groups. It is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to control populations of small invertebrates. The mole is not considered to be a threatened or endangered species.
- Catégories
- MAMMALS
- Mots-clés
- Star-nosed mole, weird animals, ugly animals
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