"vole" 的定义和意义

What is a "vole"?

Voles are small, burrowing rodents that belong to the family Cricetidae. They are similar in appearance to mice and rats, but with some distinguishing characteristics. Voles have short legs, a stocky body, and a short tail. They come in various colors, such as brown, gray, or black, depending on the species. Voles are known for their prolific breeding habits, and their populations can quickly multiply in favorable conditions. They are herbivorous animals that primarily feed on plant material, including roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. Voles are active mainly during the night and are skilled burrowers, creating complex underground tunnel systems in grasslands, forests, and other habitats. They are known for their ability to reproduce rapidly and adapt to different environments, making them widespread and abundant in many parts of the world. Voles play important ecological roles as prey for predators, and they can also have significant impacts on plant communities through their feeding and burrowing activities.